Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has insisted he is "fully confident" that he will resume his full-time duties in the near future.
Kerr was forced to undergo two operations on his back after initially being diagnosed with a ruptured disc, and the pain he felt early in pre-season training camp gave him no other choice but to step away from the team for a spell.
The 50-year-old joined his staff and players to collect their NBA championship rings prior to the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, and he admits that it is frustrating not to be courtside.
"I would hope tomorrow, but tomorrow's not happening," Kerr told reporters when asked when he is expecting to return. "I fully believe that I will be back before too long.
"It's good to be back around the team quite a bit. Prospects long term are great. I know I'm on the right path, I'm on the right track. I'm very confident I'll be back this season, and I can't wait.
"I'm excited to be part of the ceremony but I'm really disappointed not to be coaching. I've got to be patient, and that's probably not my greatest virtue right now."
Interim head coach Luke Walton is leading the team in the absence of Kerr, who has attended practice in recent days and could travel with the Warriors for their opening two road games against the Houston Rockets and New Orleans.
Callum Mulvihill
