Steve Kerr Career Profile, Awards, & Accomplishments

Name: Stephen Douglas Kerr

Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard

Height: 6-3 (190 cm)

Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

School: Arizona

Draft: Phoenix Suns (25th Pick, 50th Overall, 1988)

As a player:

• NBA Champion (1996-1999, 2003)
• NBA Three-Point Contest Champion

As a coach:

• NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
• NBA Coach of the Year (2016)
• NBA All-Star Game head coach (2015, 2017)

1996: Chicago Bulls

Kerr was instrumental to Chicago’s success in the 1995-96 season, providing sharpshooting and reliable playmaking off the bench. Known for his excellent three-point shooting, Kerr played a crucial role in spreading the floor and creating space for his teammates. He averaged 8.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 50.6% from the field and 51.5% from beyond the arc.

Kerr’s long-range accuracy was vital in stretching opposing defenses and opening up opportunities for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Kerr struggled through the playoffs, averaging just 6.8 points in 19.8 minutes while seeing his impressive shooting percentages take a hit. Regardless, his ability to excel in pressure-packed situations and provide valuable scoring off the bench made him an invaluable member of the historic 1995-96 Bulls team.

1997: Chicago Bulls

In his fourth season with the Chicago Bulls, Kerr maintained his role as floor spreader and three-point shooting ace. He averaged 8.1 points per game, shooting 53.3% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc.

Kerr’s ability to knock down crucial shots in critical moments earned him a reputation as a clutch performer, as seen through his game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals. His calm demeanor and basketball IQ made him a valuable asset to the Bulls’ championship aspirations. Kerr’s contributions were vital in helping the Bulls secure their fifth NBA championship of the 1990s.

1998: Chicago Bulls

Steve Kerr’s 1997-98 NBA season marked his final year as a player for the Chicago Bulls and fittingly capped off his successful tenure with the team. Kerr continued to provide invaluable contributions off the bench, showcasing his trademark sharpshooting and veteran leadership. Despite playing just 50 games, he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 7.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 45.4% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc.

Kerr’s ability to knock down crucial three-pointers in clutch moments became a trademark of his game. His accomplishments reached their pinnacle as he helped the Bulls secure their sixth NBA championship of the 1990s. Steve Kerr’s 1997-98 season is a testament to his professionalism, clutch performances, and invaluable contributions to the Bulls’ dynasty.

1999: San Antonio Spurs

Steve Kerr’s 1998-99 NBA season saw him continue his playing career as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. At 33, Kerr gave the team valuable shooting and veteran leadership, contributing to their success during the shortened season due to a lockout. Kerr’s offense wasn’t as potent as usual, averaging 4.4 points per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc.

Despite playing just 44 games, Kerr’s contributions and professionalism were instrumental in helping the Spurs reach the playoffs. Steve Kerr’s 1998-99 season was another chapter in his accomplished playing career, earning another NBA Championship after leaving the Chicago Bulls.

2003: San Antonio Spurs

In Steve Kerr’s final season as a player, the sharpshooting point guard helped his Spurs, and himself, to another NBA Championship ring. Kerr played 75 games despite limited playing time, more than any one of his previous five seasons. He averaged 4.0 points, and 1.4 assists per game that season while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc.

His veteran presence and experience helped the Spurs secure the top seed in the Western Conference and ultimately win the NBA Championship. While his playoff contributions were limited, he still showed off his quality by going 4 of 4 from three to help eliminate the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Kerr’s 2002-03 season capped off an incredible career, proving him to be one of the league’s greatest role players.

2015: Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr took on his first and only NBA head coaching position in 2014, where he was contracted to lead the Golden State Warriors after back-to-back playoff eliminations under Mark Jackson. Already one of the league’s better offensive teams, Kerr helped the Warriors hone their scoring potential while developing a top-tier defense.

After winning the best record in the NBA, the Warriors cruised to the NBA Championship, not losing more than two games in any single series. It was the beginning of a dynasty, which Kerr defined through ball movement, defense, and the best shooting ability the NBA has ever seen.

2017: Golden State Warriors

After a record-breaking season, Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ 73-win year was dulled as they failed to win an NBA Championship. Channeling the success of their championship year, the Warriors went on to once again be the league’s premiere two-way team – now with Kevin Durant added to the mix.

The Golden State Warriors had a near-perfect post-season, eliminating the Trail Blazers, Jazz, and Spurs without posting a single loss. In their NBA Finals rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors won their second NBA title under Steve Kerr while establishing themselves as the preeminent power in the NBA.

2018: Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr’s 2017-18 campaign leading the Golden State Warriors saw a dip in their excellent form over the last three years, but it still earned them second in the West and the third-best record in the NBA. With some added punch off the bench and Durant and Curry still leading the Warriors, their post-season success seemed almost guaranteed.

Despite finding most of their success without issue, the Warriors faced great adversity from the first-seed Houston Rockets, who pushed them to seven games. Steve Kerr, facing their rival Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, led his team to another title with four straight wins.

2022: Golden State Warriors

After three straight seasons of roster shuffling, significant injuries, and some time spent in the lottery, the Golden State Warriors shocked the world in 2022. With what many considered their weakest championship lineup, the Warriors showed they could accomplish anything with their star trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green available to play.

Having to adjust more than in his previous championship runs, Kerr found production in young players like Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to help his team win. Going 16-6 in the post-season and earning their fourth title in eight years, Kerr and the Warriors announced their return to the NBA’s elite company.

Comparing Steve Kerr’s Rings to the winningest players in NBA history

From the iconic Michael Jordan to the legendary Bill Russell, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport through their numerous championship victories. By comparing Kerr’s rings with the success of these esteemed players, one can appreciate Kerr’s value within his championship squads.

Comparing Steve Kerr’s Rings to the winningest coaches in NBA history

In terms of coaching, Steve Kerr’s championship success has positioned him among the winningest coaches in NBA history. As we delve into this section, we can see how Kerr’s collection of championship rings compares to the achievements of the most successful coaches in the league.

Steve Kerr’s NBA Finals appearances compared to NBA legends

As an accomplished player and coach, Steve Kerr’s NBA Finals appearances have placed him in the company of basketball legends. In this section, we’ll see how Kerr’s trips to the NBA Finals stack up against some of the greatest names in the game’s history.

While Kerr’s playing career featured a notable stint alongside Michael Jordan on the dominant Chicago Bulls, his coaching tenure with the Golden State Warriors propelled him to even greater heights. He may have just been a role player during his playing career, but it speaks volumes that he was wanted by some of the league’s best-ever teams.