Steven Kerr (commonly known as Steve Kerr) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely regarded as one of the most successful figures in NBA history, both as a player and as a coach.
Early Life and Playing Career Born on September 27, 1965, in Beirut, Lebanon, Kerr spent part of his childhood in the Middle East due to his father, Malcolm Kerr, being a university president who was tragically assassinated in 1984. He attended the University of Arizona, where he played point guard for the Wildcats from 1983 to 1988. He helped lead Arizona to the Final Four in 1988 and holds the NCAA record for career three-point field goal percentage (47.7%).
Kerr was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1988 NBA draft. His playing career spanned 15 seasons from 1988 to 2003, during which he played for six NBA teams: the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers. He was known primarily as a sharpshooter from beyond the arc.
Championships as a Player Kerr won five NBA championships as a player:
- Chicago Bulls: 1996, 1997, 1998 (playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen under coach Phil Jackson).
- San Antonio Spurs: 1999, 2003 (playing alongside Tim Duncan and David Robinson under coach Gregg Popovich).
His ability to hit clutch shots, particularly three-pointers, made him a valuable role player on championship-contending teams. He holds the NBA record for the highest career three-point field goal percentage (45.4%) for players with at least 250 made three-pointers.
Broadcasting and Front Office Career After retiring as a player in 2003, Kerr transitioned to a career in broadcasting, serving as an analyst for TNT and a contributor for Yahoo! Sports. He also had a stint in the front office, working as the General Manager for the Phoenix Suns from 2007 to 2010.
Coaching Career In 2014, Kerr was named the head coach of the Golden State Warriors. In his first season (2014–15), he led the Warriors to an NBA championship, becoming the first rookie coach to win a title since Pat Riley in 1982. Under his leadership, the Warriors transformed into one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, characterized by their fast-paced offense, ball movement, and prolific three-point shooting, often referred to as "Strength in Numbers" or "The Splash Brothers" era with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Championships as a Coach Kerr has won four NBA championships as head coach of the Golden State Warriors:
- Golden State Warriors: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022.
He holds the distinction of having won multiple NBA championships both as a player and as a coach, a feat achieved by only a select few in NBA history. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2015–16 season, during which the Warriors set an NBA record for most wins in a regular season (73-9).
Legacy and Impact Steven (Steve) Kerr's career highlights his exceptional understanding of basketball, cultivated from playing under legendary coaches like Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich. As a coach, he is known for his calm demeanor, player-first approach, innovative offensive schemes, and ability to manage star personalities. His contributions to the game have left a significant mark on both playing and coaching strategies in the modern NBA.
Awards and Honors
- As Player: 5× NBA champion (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003), NCAA career 3-point percentage leader (47.7%).
- As Coach: 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), NBA Coach of the Year (2016).