24 Facts About Steve Kerr

Early Life and Background

Steve Kerr's journey to becoming a basketball legend began long before his NBA career. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on September 27, 1965, in Beirut, Lebanon, Steve Kerr's early years were spent in the Middle East due to his father's academic career.

2. His father, Malcolm Kerr, was a well-known American academic who specialized in Middle Eastern studies and served as the president of the American University of Beirut.

3. Tragedy struck when Steve was just 18 years old. His father was assassinated by terrorists in Beirut in 1984, a moment that deeply impacted Kerr's life and career.

4. Kerr attended Palisades High School in Los Angeles, where he began to make a name for himself as a talented basketball player.

5. He later played college basketball at the University of Arizona, where he became known for his sharpshooting skills and leadership on the court.

College Career

Steve Kerr's college career at the University of Arizona was marked by significant achievements and memorable moments.

6. Kerr played for the Arizona Wildcats from 1983 to 1988, redshirting the 1986-87 season due to a knee injury.

7. He set an NCAA record for three-point shooting percentage in a single season, hitting 57.3% of his shots from beyond the arc during the 1987-88 season.

8. Kerr was a key player in leading the Wildcats to the Final Four in the 1988 NCAA Tournament, a historic achievement for the program.

9. His jersey number, 25, was retired by the University of Arizona in honor of his contributions to the team.

NBA Playing Career

Steve Kerr's NBA career spanned 15 seasons, during which he played for several teams and earned a reputation as one of the best three-point shooters in the league.

10. Kerr was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft, but he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the season began.

11. He played for the Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers during his NBA career.

12. Kerr won five NBA championships as a player, three with the Chicago Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998) and two with the San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003).

13. He holds the NBA record for the highest career three-point shooting percentage in the regular season at 45.4%.

14. Kerr hit one of the most famous shots in NBA history during Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, securing the championship for the Bulls with a clutch jumper.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring as a player, Steve Kerr transitioned to coaching, where he continued to achieve remarkable success.

15. Kerr served as a television analyst for TNT and a general manager for the Phoenix Suns before becoming a coach.

16. In 2014, he was hired as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, a decision that would change the course of the franchise's history.

17. Under Kerr's leadership, the Warriors won three NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018) and set the record for the most wins in a single season with 73 in 2015-16.

18. Kerr was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2016, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the team's success.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond his professional achievements, Steve Kerr's personal life and legacy are equally noteworthy.

19. Kerr is married to Margot Brennan, and the couple has three children: Nick, Maddy, and Matthew.

20. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, including his support for gun control and various charitable organizations.

21. Kerr has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights, using his platform to address important issues.

22. He has also been involved in various media projects, including producing a documentary about his father's life and legacy.

23. Kerr's impact on the game of basketball extends beyond his coaching and playing career, as he continues to inspire future generations of players and coaches.

24. Despite his many accomplishments, Kerr remains humble and grounded, often crediting his success to the support of his family, teammates, and mentors.

Steve Kerr: A Legend On and Off the Court

Steve Kerr's journey from a college player to an NBA legend is nothing short of inspiring. His eight NBA championships—five as a player and three as a coach—show his deep understanding of the game. Kerr's sharp shooting skills, especially his record-setting three-point percentage, made him a valuable player. As a coach, his ability to lead and innovate has transformed the Golden State Warriors into a powerhouse.

Beyond basketball, Kerr's advocacy for social justice and his outspoken nature on important issues highlight his commitment to making a difference. His life story, marked by personal tragedy and professional triumph, serves as a testament to resilience and dedication.

Steve Kerr isn't just a name in basketball history; he's a symbol of excellence, both on and off the court. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.