The Golden State Warriors have confirmed that head coach Steve Kerr will miss the start of the season as he continues to recover from two back operations.
Kerr was forced to undergo surgery on a ruptured disc after leading the Warriors to the title last season, before a spinal fluid leak meant another procedure was required for him to make a full recovery.
After taking part in the early stages of pre-season camp, Kerr stepped aside to allow Luke Walton to take over as interim head coach and the Warriors will not have their leader on the sideline when they start the new campaign against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
"Even if you ask Steve, he doesn't know," general manager Bob Myers told reporters when asked how long Kerr is expected to be out of action.
Despite not being able to take his spot on the bench, Kerr will be able to collect his championship ring in a ceremony before the season opener.