Steve Kerr has always been very good at what he does and he’s also been in the right place at the right time throughout his career. While never a star during his 16-season NBA career, he was a critical cog in the Chicago Bulls machine that won three NBA titles between 1996 and 1998. He played the same role in two different stints with the San Antonio Spurs, winning two titles there as well.
Bein very good at his job and also being in the right place at the right time has also been a key to his coaching career as well. In 2014 he took over as head coach of the Golden State Warriors as Steph Curry was really coming into his own as one of the NBA’s best players. Since then, the Warriors have only gotten better and moved to the top of the heap in the league.
Because of all that, Kerr has just reached 250 wins as an NBA head coach faster than anyone in history.
Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr earned his 250th career regular season victory, doing so in 302 games–the fewest games to 250 wins for any coach in the four major professional sports leagues. pic.twitter.com/eZLATK2zH9
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) February 11, 2018
Per ESPN, Golden State’s win over San Antonio on Saturday gave Kerr an overall record of 250-52. Not only was 302 games faster than how long it took Phil Jackson to reach 250 wins (by 44), it was the fewest number of games needed for any coach in the four major U.S. pro leagues.
Like Jackson, Kerr’s efforts often take a backseat to the collection of talent on the court. But as we’ve seen in with other “Super Teams” that didn’t always fulfill their destiny, the coach plays a critical role in managing egos and maintaining momentum.
As expected, Kerr deflected praise back at the players on the court.
“It just means that I inherited a hell of a team,” Kerr said. “An amazing, talented group of players.”
That’s a sentiment that Draymond Green playfully echoed:
“It means he’s got some good players,” he replied in jest. “Nah, I’m just playing. That’s incredible. Obviously, Steve never had any coaching experience, and to accomplish something like that says a lot. I think with the continuity that he brought to the organization, not only on the basketball court but just in the culture, has made a difference, and that’s why we’ve been able to have the success that we’ve had.”
Of course, if the Warriors don’t win their third NBA Championship in four years in a few months, no one will care all that much about how many regular-season wins Kerr has. Ultimately, that kind of statistic is a sign of great coaching but pales in comparison to the number of titles a coach has on their mantle when it’s all said and done.
[ESPN]
didn’t he get credit for all those wins when he was out with back surgery?