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"It's a good day to remember what's truly important and what we are aspiring for as a county," he told reporters courtside. "We can do a lot better, all of us."
Kerr took special care to note that he doesn't think Dr. King -- nearly 50 years after his assassination -- would be pleased with the state of the nation.
"He would be less inspired by the leadership in our country," Kerr mused. "No doubt about that."
Kerr instead praised the NBA for its role as a uniter.
VIDEO: Steve Kerr speaks at Golden State Warriors Media Day
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"I love Martin Luther King Day in terms of what it means to the NBA, what it means to the country," he said. "What were' really celebrating is equality and inclusion, which is what the NBA represents with players from all over the world and different backgrounds."
Many players, he said, are committed to being active in their communities and promoting peace and understanding. This, he noted, "are all ideals Dr. King felt so strongly about."
VIDEO: Kerr talks to ABC7 after Warriors win 2nd NBA Championship title in three years.
The conversation got a bit deep for a shootaround when a reporter asked Kerr where the country went astray. After a few chuckles, Kerr focused in on social media, criticizing its use as a forum to channel anger and hate.
"Just sit behind your keyboard and tell everybody whatever vulgar, profane thing you want to say," he said. "You're free from repercussion, and yet you're sending this anger and vile out into the atmosphere."
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