Federer, Djokovic or Nadal? Steve Kerr names the best player for Golden State Warriors
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS coach Steve Kerr believes Novak Djokovic is the tennis player best equipped to play basketball.
US Open: Djokovic beats Sousa to a place in quarter-final
Kerr, an NBA champion as a player and coach, is gearing up for the new NBA season which starts next month.
But in the meantime, the Warriors coach has been a notable spectator at the US Open in Flushing Meadows this week.
He told the ATP: “The sport is one that I just really connect with and I love watching the modern-day player.
“I mean the guys on the men’s side right now, this is as good as it will ever get.
"These guys are some of the greatest players of all-time.”
Kerr was spotted in the crowd watching Roger Federer's match with John Millman on Monday and said the Swiss star was like NBA legend Michael Jordan in being the greatest ever.
But Kerr said he feels Djokovic would be the tennis player most comfortable on a basketball court.
He said: “Gosh. I might go with Djokovic.
“I think he can guard anybody. He moves his feet extremely well. Side to side, I think he can stay in front of anybody.
"I think he’d be good in the fast break. I’d like to see him on a basketball court.”
Kerr was also asked about the similarities between basketball and tennis.
He said: "The movement is very similar. It’s one of the reasons I loved playing tennis.
"I can’t do it anymore, because my knees don’t hold up, but I loved playing for years after I retired because the movements were all very similar.
“You’re chasing a ball, you’re down in a crouch.
"A defensive stance in basketball is the same position you’d be in tennis, getting ready for your next shot.
"Lateral movements, up and back, jumping up to hit a lob, whatever.”