D’Angelo Russell’s first season with the Golden State Warriors has not gone as expected, not by a long shot, but head coach Steve Kerr has been impressed with how the young guard has dealt with such a tumultuous few months.
Acquired this past offseason in the sign-and-trade that shipped Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets, Russell has seen injuries to teammates pile up, including to Stephen Curry, as the Warriors have limped to an NBA-worst 5-21 record.
Making things even more difficult for the 23-year-old and former No. 2 overall pick, he has has long been the subject of persistent trade rumors, practically going back to even before his arrival with the Warriors was made official.
Russell, even with a four-year, $117 million deal, has admitted this season has been frustrating. The way Russell has handled everything elicited an outpouring of praise from Kerr.
