Steve Kerr
Encyclopedia
Stephen Douglas "Steve" Kerr (born September 27, 1965) is a retired American
professional basketball
player. He shot .454 from three point range over his career and currently holds the record as the most accurate three-point shooter in NBA history. Kerr is a five-time NBA champion, winning three consecutive championships
with the Chicago Bulls
from 1996 to 1998 and two championships with the San Antonio Spurs
in 1999 and 2003. He and Frank Saul
are the only two players in the NBA history who won two championships with two different teams in consecutive seasons.
On June 2, 2007, the Phoenix Suns
named Kerr the team's President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. Kerr helped Managing Partner Robert Sarver
buy the Suns in 2004 and became one of Sarver's trusted basketball advisors. Kerr announced his retirement from the Suns in June 2010.
, Kerr spent much of his childhood in Lebanon
and other Arab states. He attended Cairo American College
in Egypt
and Palisades High School (now Palisades Charter High School
) in Pacific Palisades, California. On January 18, 1984, Kerr's father, who was then serving as president of the American University of Beirut
, was assassinated by suspected militant nationalists in Beirut
.
from 1983 to 1988. In summer 1986, Kerr was named to the USA Basketball
team that competed in the FIBA World Championship
in Spain
. The team became the last American Men's Senior Team composed strictly of amateur
players to capture a gold medal. Kerr injured his knee during the tournament, forcing him to miss an entire season (1986–87) at Arizona. After returning to the team, Kerr became a fan favorite due to his leadership and long-range shooting. He helped the Wildcats reach the Final Four
of the NCAA Division I basketball tournament in 1988, along with future NBA teammate Sean Elliott
, future NBA journeyman Tom Tolbert
, and future Major League Baseball All-Star Kenny Lofton
. He also set a NCAA record for three point percentage in a single season (114-199, 57.3%).
| align="left" | 1983-84
| align="left" | Arizona
| 28 || … || 22.6 || .516 || … || .692 || 1.2 || 1.3 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 7.1
|-
| align="left" | 1984-85
| align="left" | Arizona
| 31 || … || 33.4 || .568 || … || .803 || 2.4 || 4.0 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 10.0
|-
| align="left" | 1985-86
| align="left" | Arizona
| 32 || … || 38.4 || .540 || … || .899 || 3.2 || 4.2 || 1.6 || 0.0 || 14.4
|-
| align="left" | 1986-87
| align="left" | Arizona
| Redshirt
|| … || … || … || … || … || … || … || … || … || …
|-
| align="left" | 1987-88
| align="left" | Arizona
| 38 || … || 32.6 || .559 || .573 || .824 || 2.0 || 3.9 || 1.2 || 0.1 || 12.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 129 || … || 32.1 || .548 || .573 || .815 || 2.2 || 3.4 || 1.0 || 0.1 || 11.2
|-
Kerr was selected by the Phoenix Suns
in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft
, but was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers
in 1989. He spent over three seasons (1989 to 1992) there, and then part of the 1992–93 season with the Orlando Magic
. In 1993, he signed with the Chicago Bulls
. The Bulls made the playoffs in the 1993–94
and 1994–95 seasons, but without Michael Jordan
's presence for all of 1994 and much of 1995, though, they could not advance to the Finals. However, with Jordan back fulltime for the 1995–96 season
, the Bulls went an NBA-record 72–10 and defeated the Seattle SuperSonics
in the NBA championship
.
Kerr played a major part of the Bulls' victory in the 1997 NBA Finals
against the Utah Jazz
. In the final seconds of Game 6, with the score tied at 86, he took a pass from Michael Jordan and hit the game-clinching shot. The Bulls won the game, earning back-to-back championships for the first time in four seasons. Kerr also won the 3-Point Shootout at the 1997 All-Star Game.
In the last minute of Game 2 of the 1998 Finals
series against Utah, he missed a three-pointer, grabbed his own rebound and laid it to Michael Jordan who scored an easy lay-up. The play helped Chicago win this game and even the series at 1–1. The Bulls won the series in six games.
During the 1998 off-season, Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs
, where he spent the rest of his career, save for the 2001–02 season with the Portland Trail Blazers
.
The Spurs made it to the Finals
for the first time in their history, and Kerr won his fourth ring in a row when the Spurs beat the New York Knicks
for the 1999 NBA championship
. He is the only non-Boston Celtic
to win four straight NBA titles.
In the 2003 playoffs
, Kerr made key contributions in Game Six of the Spurs' Western Conference
Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks
. Among those were four clutch
three-pointers that helped to eliminate the Mavericks. The Spurs eventually won the NBA championship that year by beating the New Jersey Nets
in a six-game Finals
series, led by Kerr, David Robinson
, Tim Duncan
, Tony Parker
and Manu Ginóbili
, among others.
Kerr ended his career as a dependable bench player who could make jump shots and three-pointers in critical moments. Even when he was with the Chicago Bulls, and both he and Michael Jordan
were on the floor at the same time, when a free throw had to be taken due to a technical foul, Kerr was usually the one to take the shot.
Kerr announced his retirement after the 2003 NBA Finals. He played 910 regular season games but started only 30, 20 of them in the 1991–92 season. His career totals are: 5,437 points (6 ppg), 1,060 rebounds (1.2 rpg), and 1,658 assists (1.8 apg). He also retired as the league's all-time leader in three-point shooting percentage for a season (.524 in 1994–95) and career (.454).
| align="left" | 1988-89
| align="left" | Phoenix
| 26 || 0 || 6.0 || .435 || .471 || .667 || 0.7 || 0.9 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 2.1
|-
| align="left" | 1989-90
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 78 || 5 || 21.3 || .444 || .507 || .863 || 1.3 || 3.2 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 1990-91
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 57 || 4 || 15.9 || .444 || .452 || .849 || 0.6 || 2.3 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 4.8
|-
| align="left" | 1991-92
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 48 || 20 || 17.6 || .511 || .432 || .833 || 1.6 || 2.3 || 0.6 || 0.2 || 6.6
|-
| align="left" | 1992-93
| align="left" | Cleveland / Orlando
| 52 || 0 || 9.3 || .434 || .231 || .917 || 0.9 || 1.3 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 2.6
|-
| align="left" | 1993-94
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 24.8 || .497 || .419 || .856 || 1.6 || 2.6 || 0.9 || 0.0 || 8.6
|-
| align="left" | 1994-95
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 22.4 || .527 || .524 || .778 || 1.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 1995-96
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 23.4 || .506 || .515 || .929 || 1.3 || 2.3 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 8.4
|-
| align="left" | 1996-97
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 22.7 || .533 || .464 || .806 || 1.6 || 2.1 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 1997-98
| align="left" | Chicago
| 50 || 0 || 22.4 || .454 || .438 || .918 || 1.5 || 1.9 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 7.5
|-
| align="left" | 1998-99
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 44 || 0 || 16.7 || .391 || .313 || .886 || 1.0 || 1.1 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 4.4
|-
| align="left" | 1999-00
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 32 || 0 || 8.4 || .432 || .516 || .818 || 0.6 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 2.8
|-
| align="left" | 2000-01
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 55 || 1 || 11.8 || .421 || .429 || .933 || 0.6 || 1.0 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 3.3
|-
| align="left" | 2001-02
| align="left" | Portland
| 65 || 0 || 11.9 || .470 || .394 || .975 || 0.9 || 1.0 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 4.1
|-
| align="left" | 2002-03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 75 || 0 || 12.7 || .430 || .395 || .882 || 0.8 || 0.9 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 4.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 910 || 30 || 17.8 || .479 || .454 || .864 || 1.2 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 6.0
|-
| align="left" | 1989-90
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 5 || … || 14.6 || .286 || .000 || … || 1.2 || 2.0 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 1.6
|-
| align="left" | 1991-92
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 12 || … || 12.4 || .439 || .273 || 1.000 || 0.5 || 0.8 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 3.7
|-
| align="left" | 1993-94
| align="left" | Chicago
| 10 || … || 18.6 || .361 || .375 || 1.000 || 1.4 || 1.0 || 0.7 || 0.0 || 3.5
|-
| align="left" | 1994-95
| align="left" | Chicago
| 10 || … || 19.3 || .475 || .421 || 1.000 || 0.6 || 1.5 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 5.1
|-
| align="left" | 1995-96
| align="left" | Chicago
| 18 || … || 19.8 || .448 || .321 || .871 || 1.0 || 1.7 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 6.8
|-
| align="left" | 1996-97
| align="left" | Chicago
| 19 || … || 17.9 || .429 || .381 || .929 || 0.9 || 1.1 || 0.9 || 0.1 || 5.0
|-
| align="left" | 1997-98
| align="left" | Chicago
| 21 || … || 19.8 || .434 || .463 || .818 || 0.8 || 1.7 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 4.9
|-
| align="left" | 1998-99
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 11 || … || 8.8 || .267 || .231 || .833 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 2.2
|-
| align="left" | 2000-01
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 9 || … || 11.2 || .480 || .333 || .500 || 1.0 || 0.7 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3.3
|-
| align="left" | 2001-02
| align="left" | Portland
| 3 || … || 13.0 || .429 || .250 || 1.000 || 1.3 || 1.7 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 6.3
|-
| align="left" | 2002-03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 10 || … || 4.6 || .636 || .833 || .750 || 0.3 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 2.2
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 128 || … || 15.6 || .426 || .370 || .876 || 0.9 || 1.2 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 4.3
|-
. During his tenure he performed a segment sponsored by Coors Light
called Steve's Refreshing Thoughts in which he brought up interesting facts in NBA history. In the same time period, Kerr also contributed to Yahoo!
as an NBA commentator.
He has provided his voice for the in-game commentary of EA Sports
video games NBA Live 06
, NBA Live 07
, NBA Live 08
, NBA Live 09
and NBA Live 10
with Albert. In 2011 he provided his voice as color commentator for NBA 2K12
.
It was confirmed on June 28, 2010 that he would return as an NBA analyst for TNT starting with the 2010-11 NBA season. Starting in 2011, Kerr will call the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
on Turner Sports and CBS
, teaming up with lead broadcasters Jim Nantz
and Clark Kellogg
for the First Four and Final Four games, and with Albert in other rounds.
for US$
300 million. He became part of Suns management, acting as a consultant.
On June 2, 2007, Kerr announced his departure from his broadcasting position at TNT and his commentating position at Yahoo! to assume duties as the general manager
of the Phoenix Suns
beginning with the 2007–2008 season. He replaced Mike D'Antoni
.
On Feb 6, 2008, reports surfaced that Kerr was planning to trade Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion
and guard Marcus Banks
to the Miami Heat in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal
, which he did. The Suns were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs
in five games in the first round of the playoffs.
On December 10, 2008, Kerr continued to remake the Suns roster by trading away Boris Diaw
, Raja Bell
, and Sean Singletary
to the Charlotte Bobcats
in exchange for Jason Richardson
, Jared Dudley
, and the Charlotte Bobcats 2010 Second Round draft pick.
On June 25, 2009, Kerr decided to trade the 5th all time leading scorer, Shaquille O'Neal
. Shaq was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace
, Sasha Pavlovic, a future second-round draft pick and cash.
On May 5, 2010, the Suns
wore Los Suns jerseys in Game 2 against the Spurs
as to be united against the controversial Arizona
immigration law. Kerr himself compared the law to Nazi Germany
.
On June 15, 2010 Kerr stepped down as President and GM of the Suns.
, another famous reserve player and clutch shooter, alternated NBA Championships for a decade, and combined to win 12 championships over a 14-year period. Either Horry or Kerr was on the roster of an NBA Finals
team from the 1993-94 season through the 2002-03 season, with every one resulting in a victory. Horry's teams were victorious in the NBA Finals in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2007, while Kerr's teams were winners in the NBA Finals in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2003. Each won three titles playing for Phil Jackson
-coached teams and two with the San Antonio Spurs
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player. He shot .454 from three point range over his career and currently holds the record as the most accurate three-point shooter in NBA history. Kerr is a five-time NBA champion, winning three consecutive championships
Three-peat
Three-peat is a contraction of the words three and repeat, which has been trademarked for commercial use by retired basketball coach Pat Riley; the active trademarks in force are registered under numbers 1552980, 1878690, and 1886018...
with the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
from 1996 to 1998 and two championships with the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
in 1999 and 2003. He and Frank Saul
Frank Saul (basketball)
Frank Benjamin Saul is a retired American National Basketball Association player.Saul won four consecutive NBA championships with the Rochester Royals in 1951 and with the Minneapolis Lakers from 1952 to 1954...
are the only two players in the NBA history who won two championships with two different teams in consecutive seasons.
On June 2, 2007, the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
named Kerr the team's President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. Kerr helped Managing Partner Robert Sarver
Robert Sarver
Robert Sarver is the current majority owner of the Phoenix Suns. He bought the NBA franchise from Jerry Colangelo in the spring of 2004....
buy the Suns in 2004 and became one of Sarver's trusted basketball advisors. Kerr announced his retirement from the Suns in June 2010.
Early life
The son of Malcolm Kerr, an American academic who specialized in the Middle EastMiddle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, Kerr spent much of his childhood in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and other Arab states. He attended Cairo American College
Cairo American College
Cairo American College is a K-12 American/International school located in Cairo, Egypt which aims to affirm the voice, passions, and talents of students and inspire them to use their hearts and minds as global citizens. CAC should not be confused with the or The school is located in Maadi, and...
in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
and Palisades High School (now Palisades Charter High School
Palisades Charter High School
Palisades Charter High School is a secondary school in Los Angeles, California, United States. The public high school serves the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades, Palisades Highlands, Kenter Canyon and portions of Brentwood...
) in Pacific Palisades, California. On January 18, 1984, Kerr's father, who was then serving as president of the American University of Beirut
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionaries in 1866...
, was assassinated by suspected militant nationalists in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
.
Basketball career
Kerr was minimally recruited out of high school because he could not jump and was two steps slower than other point guards. Kerr played basketball for the University of ArizonaUniversity of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
from 1983 to 1988. In summer 1986, Kerr was named to the USA Basketball
USA Basketball
USA Basketball is a non-profit organization and the governing body for basketball in the United States. The organization represents the United States in FIBA and the men's and women's national basketball teams in the United States Olympic Committee...
team that competed in the FIBA World Championship
FIBA World Championship
The FIBA World Championship is an international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation , the sport's global governing body...
in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. The team became the last American Men's Senior Team composed strictly of amateur
Amateur
An amateur is generally considered a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science, without pay and often without formal training....
players to capture a gold medal. Kerr injured his knee during the tournament, forcing him to miss an entire season (1986–87) at Arizona. After returning to the team, Kerr became a fan favorite due to his leadership and long-range shooting. He helped the Wildcats reach the Final Four
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
of the NCAA Division I basketball tournament in 1988, along with future NBA teammate Sean Elliott
Sean Elliott
Sean Michael Elliott is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.-Early life:Elliott was born in Tucson, Arizona and was youngest of three boys. He was a very intelligent boy growing up and attended the G.A.T.E. program at Toleson Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona...
, future NBA journeyman Tom Tolbert
Tom Tolbert
Byron Thomas "Tom" Tolbert is an American retired professional basketball player and sports broadcaster. He played a total of seven seasons in the National Basketball Association...
, and future Major League Baseball All-Star Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton
Kenneth Lofton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder known for his great speed on the base paths as well as in the field, award-winning defensive play , timely hitting, and playful spirit. He batted and threw left-handed...
. He also set a NCAA record for three point percentage in a single season (114-199, 57.3%).
NCAA Career Statistics
|-| align="left" | 1983-84
| align="left" | Arizona
Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
The Arizona Wildcats basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I. They are currently coached by Sean Miller.Arizona has a long and rich...
| 28 || … || 22.6 || .516 || … || .692 || 1.2 || 1.3 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 7.1
|-
| align="left" | 1984-85
| align="left" | Arizona
Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
The Arizona Wildcats basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I. They are currently coached by Sean Miller.Arizona has a long and rich...
| 31 || … || 33.4 || .568 || … || .803 || 2.4 || 4.0 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 10.0
|-
| align="left" | 1985-86
| align="left" | Arizona
Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
The Arizona Wildcats basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I. They are currently coached by Sean Miller.Arizona has a long and rich...
| 32 || … || 38.4 || .540 || … || .899 || 3.2 || 4.2 || 1.6 || 0.0 || 14.4
|-
| align="left" | 1986-87
| align="left" | Arizona
Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
The Arizona Wildcats basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I. They are currently coached by Sean Miller.Arizona has a long and rich...
| Redshirt
Redshirt (college sports)
Redshirt is a term used in American college athletics that refers to a delay or suspension of an athlete's participation in order to lengthen his or her period of eligibility...
|| … || … || … || … || … || … || … || … || … || …
|-
| align="left" | 1987-88
| align="left" | Arizona
Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
The Arizona Wildcats basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I. They are currently coached by Sean Miller.Arizona has a long and rich...
| 38 || … || 32.6 || .559 || .573 || .824 || 2.0 || 3.9 || 1.2 || 0.1 || 12.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 129 || … || 32.1 || .548 || .573 || .815 || 2.2 || 3.4 || 1.0 || 0.1 || 11.2
|-
Kerr was selected by the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft
1988 NBA Draft
The 1988 NBA Draft took place on June 28, 1988 in New York City, New York. The length was reduced from seven rounds in the previous year to three rounds.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Notable undrafted players:...
, but was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
in 1989. He spent over three seasons (1989 to 1992) there, and then part of the 1992–93 season with the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
. In 1993, he signed with the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. The Bulls made the playoffs in the 1993–94
1993-94 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets*Rookie of the Year: Chris Webber, Golden State Warriors*Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets...
and 1994–95 seasons, but without Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
's presence for all of 1994 and much of 1995, though, they could not advance to the Finals. However, with Jordan back fulltime for the 1995–96 season
1995-96 NBA season
The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association , although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season...
, the Bulls went an NBA-record 72–10 and defeated the Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle SuperSonics
The Seattle SuperSonics were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington that played in the Pacific and Northwest Divisions of the National Basketball Association from 1967 until 2008. Following the 2007–08 season, the team relocated to Oklahoma City, and now plays as...
in the NBA championship
1996 NBA Finals
The 1996 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1995-96 NBA season of the National Basketball Association. The Seattle SuperSonics of the Western Conference took on the Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference, with the Bulls holding home court advantage...
.
Kerr played a major part of the Bulls' victory in the 1997 NBA Finals
1997 NBA Finals
The 1997 NBA Finals was the concluding series of the 1997 NBA Playoffs that determined the champion of the 1996–97 NBA season. The Utah Jazz of the Western Conference took on the Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Bulls holding home court advantage...
against the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. In the final seconds of Game 6, with the score tied at 86, he took a pass from Michael Jordan and hit the game-clinching shot. The Bulls won the game, earning back-to-back championships for the first time in four seasons. Kerr also won the 3-Point Shootout at the 1997 All-Star Game.
In the last minute of Game 2 of the 1998 Finals
1998 NBA Finals
The 1998 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1997-98 National Basketball Association season. The Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference played against the Utah Jazz of the Western Conference, with the Jazz holding home-court advantage with the first 2 games in Salt Lake City...
series against Utah, he missed a three-pointer, grabbed his own rebound and laid it to Michael Jordan who scored an easy lay-up. The play helped Chicago win this game and even the series at 1–1. The Bulls won the series in six games.
During the 1998 off-season, Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
, where he spent the rest of his career, save for the 2001–02 season with the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
.
The Spurs made it to the Finals
1999 NBA Finals
The 1999 NBA Finals was the championship round of the shortened 1998–99 NBA season or the 1999 season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home court advantage...
for the first time in their history, and Kerr won his fourth ring in a row when the Spurs beat the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for the 1999 NBA championship
1999 NBA Finals
The 1999 NBA Finals was the championship round of the shortened 1998–99 NBA season or the 1999 season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home court advantage...
. He is the only non-Boston Celtic
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
to win four straight NBA titles.
In the 2003 playoffs
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
, Kerr made key contributions in Game Six of the Spurs' Western Conference
Western Conference (NBA)
Below is a list of current Western Conference NBA team rosters.-Western Conference:There are a total of 15 teams in the Western Conference. The current leading team of the Western conference are the Dallas Mavericks....
Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
. Among those were four clutch
Clutch (sports)
In American sports terminology, "clutch" means performing well under extreme pressure. It often refers to high levels of production in a critical game, such as Game 7 of a best-of-seven series, the last hole of a Major Championship golf tournament, or the final minute in a close match...
three-pointers that helped to eliminate the Mavericks. The Spurs eventually won the NBA championship that year by beating the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in a six-game Finals
2003 NBA Finals
The 2003 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2002–03 NBA season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New Jersey Nets of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven format. The Spurs...
series, led by Kerr, David Robinson
David Robinson (basketball)
David Maurice Robinson is a retired American NBA basketball player, who played center for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire NBA career. Based on his prior service as an officer in the United States Navy, Robinson earned the nickname "The Admiral". He and teammate power forward Tim Duncan were...
, Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan
Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . The 6-foot 11-inch , 255-pound power forward/center is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year...
, Tony Parker
Tony Parker
William Anthony "Tony" Parker is a French professional basketball player who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA....
and Manu Ginóbili
Manu Ginobili
Emanuel David "Manu" Ginóbili is an Argentine professional basketball player. Coming from a family of professional basketball players, he is a member of the Argentine men's national basketball team and the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association .Ginóbili spent the early part of...
, among others.
Kerr ended his career as a dependable bench player who could make jump shots and three-pointers in critical moments. Even when he was with the Chicago Bulls, and both he and Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
were on the floor at the same time, when a free throw had to be taken due to a technical foul, Kerr was usually the one to take the shot.
Kerr announced his retirement after the 2003 NBA Finals. He played 910 regular season games but started only 30, 20 of them in the 1991–92 season. His career totals are: 5,437 points (6 ppg), 1,060 rebounds (1.2 rpg), and 1,658 assists (1.8 apg). He also retired as the league's all-time leader in three-point shooting percentage for a season (.524 in 1994–95) and career (.454).
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 1988-89
| align="left" | Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
| 26 || 0 || 6.0 || .435 || .471 || .667 || 0.7 || 0.9 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 2.1
|-
| align="left" | 1989-90
| align="left" | Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
| 78 || 5 || 21.3 || .444 || .507 || .863 || 1.3 || 3.2 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 1990-91
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 57 || 4 || 15.9 || .444 || .452 || .849 || 0.6 || 2.3 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 4.8
|-
| align="left" | 1991-92
| align="left" | Cleveland
| 48 || 20 || 17.6 || .511 || .432 || .833 || 1.6 || 2.3 || 0.6 || 0.2 || 6.6
|-
| align="left" | 1992-93
| align="left" | Cleveland / Orlando
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
| 52 || 0 || 9.3 || .434 || .231 || .917 || 0.9 || 1.3 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 2.6
|-
| align="left" | 1993-94
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 82 || 0 || 24.8 || .497 || .419 || .856 || 1.6 || 2.6 || 0.9 || 0.0 || 8.6
|-
| align="left" | 1994-95
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 22.4 || .527 || .524 || .778 || 1.5 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 1995-96
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 23.4 || .506 || .515 || .929 || 1.3 || 2.3 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 8.4
|-
| align="left" | 1996-97
| align="left" | Chicago
| 82 || 0 || 22.7 || .533 || .464 || .806 || 1.6 || 2.1 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 1997-98
| align="left" | Chicago
| 50 || 0 || 22.4 || .454 || .438 || .918 || 1.5 || 1.9 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 7.5
|-
| align="left" | 1998-99
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 44 || 0 || 16.7 || .391 || .313 || .886 || 1.0 || 1.1 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 4.4
|-
| align="left" | 1999-00
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 32 || 0 || 8.4 || .432 || .516 || .818 || 0.6 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 2.8
|-
| align="left" | 2000-01
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 55 || 1 || 11.8 || .421 || .429 || .933 || 0.6 || 1.0 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 3.3
|-
| align="left" | 2001-02
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 65 || 0 || 11.9 || .470 || .394 || .975 || 0.9 || 1.0 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 4.1
|-
| align="left" | 2002-03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 75 || 0 || 12.7 || .430 || .395 || .882 || 0.8 || 0.9 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 4.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 910 || 30 || 17.8 || .479 || .454 || .864 || 1.2 || 1.8 || 0.5 || 0.1 || 6.0
|-
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 1989-90
| align="left" | Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
| 5 || … || 14.6 || .286 || .000 || … || 1.2 || 2.0 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 1.6
|-
| align="left" | 1991-92
| align="left" | Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
| 12 || … || 12.4 || .439 || .273 || 1.000 || 0.5 || 0.8 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 3.7
|-
| align="left" | 1993-94
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 10 || … || 18.6 || .361 || .375 || 1.000 || 1.4 || 1.0 || 0.7 || 0.0 || 3.5
|-
| align="left" | 1994-95
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 10 || … || 19.3 || .475 || .421 || 1.000 || 0.6 || 1.5 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 5.1
|-
| align="left" | 1995-96
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 18 || … || 19.8 || .448 || .321 || .871 || 1.0 || 1.7 || 0.8 || 0.0 || 6.8
|-
| align="left" | 1996-97
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 19 || … || 17.9 || .429 || .381 || .929 || 0.9 || 1.1 || 0.9 || 0.1 || 5.0
|-
| align="left" | 1997-98
| align="left" | Chicago
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
| 21 || … || 19.8 || .434 || .463 || .818 || 0.8 || 1.7 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 4.9
|-
| align="left" | 1998-99
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 11 || … || 8.8 || .267 || .231 || .833 || 0.8 || 0.7 || 0.2 || 0.0 || 2.2
|-
| align="left" | 2000-01
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 9 || … || 11.2 || .480 || .333 || .500 || 1.0 || 0.7 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3.3
|-
| align="left" | 2001-02
| align="left" | Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
| 3 || … || 13.0 || .429 || .250 || 1.000 || 1.3 || 1.7 || 0.3 || 0.0 || 6.3
|-
| align="left" | 2002-03
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 10 || … || 4.6 || .636 || .833 || .750 || 0.3 || 0.6 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 2.2
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" | …
| 128 || … || 15.6 || .426 || .370 || .876 || 0.9 || 1.2 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 4.3
|-
NBA analyst
From 2003 to 2007, Kerr was a broadcast analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), offering commentary alongside renowned analyst Marv AlbertMarv Albert
Marv Albert is an American television and radio sportscaster. Honored for his work as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, he is commonly referred to as "the voice of basketball." From 1967–2004, he was also known as "the voice of the New York Knicks."Including Super Bowl XLII, Marv has called...
. During his tenure he performed a segment sponsored by Coors Light
Coors Light
Coors Light is a light beer produced by the Coors Brewing Company. It was first produced in 1978.The beer has a "Cold Certified" label which turns the mountains on the label from white to blue when the beer's temperature is lowered to 4 degrees Celsius .- Promotions :In 2008, Coors Light became...
called Steve's Refreshing Thoughts in which he brought up interesting facts in NBA history. In the same time period, Kerr also contributed to Yahoo!
Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is an American multinational internet corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, United States. The company is perhaps best known for its web portal, search engine , Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, advertising, online mapping ,...
as an NBA commentator.
He has provided his voice for the in-game commentary of EA Sports
EA Sports
EA Sports is a brand of Electronic Arts that creates and develops sports video games. Formerly a marketing gimmick of Electronic Arts, in which they tried to mimic real-life sports networks by calling themselves "EA Sports Network" with pictures or endorsements of real commentators such as John...
video games NBA Live 06
NBA Live series
The NBA Elite is series of basketball video games, published by EA Sports. There has not been any entry in the series on a home console since 2009. In November 2010, development of the franchise was moved from EA Canada studio to Florida-based Tiburon studio...
, NBA Live 07
NBA Live series
The NBA Elite is series of basketball video games, published by EA Sports. There has not been any entry in the series on a home console since 2009. In November 2010, development of the franchise was moved from EA Canada studio to Florida-based Tiburon studio...
, NBA Live 08
NBA Live series
The NBA Elite is series of basketball video games, published by EA Sports. There has not been any entry in the series on a home console since 2009. In November 2010, development of the franchise was moved from EA Canada studio to Florida-based Tiburon studio...
, NBA Live 09
NBA Live series
The NBA Elite is series of basketball video games, published by EA Sports. There has not been any entry in the series on a home console since 2009. In November 2010, development of the franchise was moved from EA Canada studio to Florida-based Tiburon studio...
and NBA Live 10
NBA Live series
The NBA Elite is series of basketball video games, published by EA Sports. There has not been any entry in the series on a home console since 2009. In November 2010, development of the franchise was moved from EA Canada studio to Florida-based Tiburon studio...
with Albert. In 2011 he provided his voice as color commentator for NBA 2K12
NBA 2K12
NBA 2K12 is a basketball video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. It was released on October 4, 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, Wii and for the first time on iOS iPhone and iPad...
.
It was confirmed on June 28, 2010 that he would return as an NBA analyst for TNT starting with the 2010-11 NBA season. Starting in 2011, Kerr will call the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
on Turner Sports and CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, teaming up with lead broadcasters Jim Nantz
Jim Nantz
James William Nantz, III is an American sportscaster, known primarily for his work with CBS Sports television.-Early life:...
and Clark Kellogg
Clark Kellogg
Clark Clifton Kellogg, Jr. is the VP of player relations for the Indiana Pacers as well as the lead college basketball analyst for CBS Sports and former player in the National Basketball Association.-High School:...
for the First Four and Final Four games, and with Albert in other rounds.
General manager position with the Suns
On April 15, 2004, Kerr was announced as a member of a potential group of buyers that would acquire his old team, the Suns, from Jerry ColangeloJerry Colangelo
Jerry Colangelo , is an American businessman and sports executive.He formerly owned the Phoenix Suns of the NBA, the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, the Arizona Sandsharks of the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League and the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major...
for US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
300 million. He became part of Suns management, acting as a consultant.
On June 2, 2007, Kerr announced his departure from his broadcasting position at TNT and his commentating position at Yahoo! to assume duties as the general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
of the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
beginning with the 2007–2008 season. He replaced Mike D'Antoni
Mike D'Antoni
Michael Andrew "Mike" D'Antoni is an Italian-American former basketball player and is currently the head coach of the NBA's New York Knicks. While head coach of the Phoenix Suns, he won NBA Coach of the Year honors for the 2004–05 NBA season after the Suns posted 33 more wins than the previous...
.
On Feb 6, 2008, reports surfaced that Kerr was planning to trade Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion
Shawn Dwayne Marion is an American professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Marion attended high school in Clarksville, Tennessee. Before transferring to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Marion...
and guard Marcus Banks
Marcus Banks
Arthur Lemarcus Banks III, commonly known as Marcus Banks , is an American professional basketball player who most recently played with the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA....
to the Miami Heat in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
, which he did. The Suns were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
in five games in the first round of the playoffs.
On December 10, 2008, Kerr continued to remake the Suns roster by trading away Boris Diaw
Boris Diaw
Boris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod, better known as Boris Diaw , is a French professional basketball player for JSA Bordeaux in France. He has also played in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Bobcats...
, Raja Bell
Raja Bell
Raja Bell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Bell is known for his three-point shooting and intense defense.- Biography :Bell was born in Saint Croix, in the U.S...
, and Sean Singletary
Sean Singletary
Sean Singletary is an American professional basketball player.-Early life:Singletary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended C. W...
to the Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
in exchange for Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson
Jason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
, Jared Dudley
Jared Dudley
Jared Dudley is an American professional basketball player. He is a forward for the NBA's Phoenix Suns. During his college years he played with the Boston College Eagles. Along with fellow senior Sean Marshall, he was one of the team's two captains, and was the leading scorer and rebounder on the...
, and the Charlotte Bobcats 2010 Second Round draft pick.
On June 25, 2009, Kerr decided to trade the 5th all time leading scorer, Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
. Shaq was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace
Ben Camey Wallace is an American basketball center for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. A native of Alabama, Wallace attended Cuyahoga Community College and Virginia Union University and signed with the Washington Bullets as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
, Sasha Pavlovic, a future second-round draft pick and cash.
On May 5, 2010, the Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
wore Los Suns jerseys in Game 2 against the Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
as to be united against the controversial Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
immigration law. Kerr himself compared the law to Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
.
On June 15, 2010 Kerr stepped down as President and GM of the Suns.
Coinciding careers
Kerr and Robert HorryRobert Horry
Robert Keith Horry Jr. is a retired American basketball player and current sports commentator. He played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association , winning seven championships, the most of any player not to have played on the 1960s Boston Celtics...
, another famous reserve player and clutch shooter, alternated NBA Championships for a decade, and combined to win 12 championships over a 14-year period. Either Horry or Kerr was on the roster of an NBA Finals
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
team from the 1993-94 season through the 2002-03 season, with every one resulting in a victory. Horry's teams were victorious in the NBA Finals in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2007, while Kerr's teams were winners in the NBA Finals in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2003. Each won three titles playing for Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson is a retired American professional basketball coach and player. Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association . His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 through 1998;...
-coached teams and two with the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
.