The Golden State Warriors announced at the start of October that head coach Steve Kerr is taking a leave of absence from the team to rehabilitate his back, per NBA.com. He underwent back surgery last July to repair a ruptured disc he suffered during game five of the NBA Finals and had a follow-up surgery early in September.

Warriors' general manager Bob Myers did not put a timetable on Kerr's return, but a source told ESPN that he may be back in time for the Warriors' home opener on Oct. 27 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Warriors are scheduled to unveil their championship banner that night, and players and coaches will be presented with their championship rings.

In a separate report from ESPN, the Golden State front office pointed out that no one knows how long it will take Kerr to recover, and they are preparing for the possibility that the coach will be unavailable at the start of the season. Former Lakers and lead assistant coach Luke Walton will be serving as the interim head coach in Kerr's absence, per NBA.com.

‎"He still doesn't know. He's not going to force a return. There's no timetable still. He's been around more lately, which is great. As long as it's not affecting his recovery, I think it's healthy for the guys to see him," Walton said to the press after their Monday practice as quoted by ESPN.

It was revealed by Kerr himself that the second surgery on his back was to repair a rare spinal fluid leak that caused him headaches and discomfort, which forced him to take a leave of absence from the team two-day into training camp, as reported by Mercury News.

"I'm not going to put a timetable on when I'm going to come back. I have to get my health right before I can coach the team, before I can bring the energy that's necessary to coach the team," the now six-time champion said.

"When you are forced to be away, it hurts. I'm 50 years old. I'm in good shape. I'm in good overall health. This is a unique circumstance, and once it's resolved, I'll be fine," he added.

ESPN added that Warriors players are hopeful that Kerr would be available during opening night and find a way to be with them when they receive their championship rings. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavalier in six games in last season's NBA Finals to win their first championship in 40 years.