WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on February 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Warriors coach Steve Kerr did not join his team for the third game of its series against the Trail Blazers on Saturday, and it seems he might not be back on the sideline for a while.

Kerr told reporters Sunday that he won’t coach Monday’s Game 4 and will continue to stay away until his ailing back improves significantly.

Via the San Jose Mercury News:

“You guys saw me at the end of Game 2, I was very uncomfortable,” Kerr said. “I was uncomfortable at practice the other day. With things getting worse, I decided I couldn’t coach. So as of now, I’m consulting with my doctors, hoping for some improvement and if I get improvement, I’ll get back on the sidelines. But I’m not going to do that until I know I can help the team.”

Kerr reportedly said he wouldn’t come back for one game if he knew he would then miss the next one. He indicated there is a real possibility he won’t return at all during the playoffs.

Kerr had back surgery just under two years ago and missed more than half the 2015-16 season as he recovered. On Sunday, he warned anyone listening to avoid the path he chose.

“I can tell you if you’re listening out there, stay away from back surgery,” Kerr said. “I can say that with the bottom of my heart. Rehab, rehab, rehab. Don’t let anyone get in there.”

Mike Brown led the Warriors in Game 3 with Kerr absent.

Kerr’s absence certainly isn’t a death blow for the Warriors, especially if Kevin Durant is fully healthy, but it sure doesn’t help. Later in the playoffs, when every edge counts, Golden State might really miss its coach, both in the locker room and on the sidelines.

Brown has extensive experience as an NBA coach but has had mixed results in the postseason. The drop-off from Kerr to him seems fairly steep.

[San Jose Mercury News]

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.