Warriors: Steve Kerr discusses playing with Michael Jordan

Golden State Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr famously played alongside Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls and has recently opened up about the experience.

Steve Kerr has racked up an impressive resume throughout his illustrious career as a player, broadcaster, and now coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Kerr has earned an astounding eight championship rings, five as a player and three as a coach. This pathway to success all started when he joined the Chicago Bulls and eventually Michael Jordan in 1993.

After the first two episodes of “The Last Dance”, ESPN’s highly anticipated documentary series that followed Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, the world craved more. Kerr, who was featured throughout, joined SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt afterward and gave his thoughts.

"“It was just an incredible thing to be a part of and just amazing to look back and think, ‘Man, I was part of that team.’ And to live that experience was pretty incredible.”"

The current coach of the Warriors also credited his tenure with the Bulls for his success as a coach, as he stated, “If I hadn’t been on those Bulls’ teams, none of the rest of my career would have happened, and I mean that.”

These comments from Kerr made genuine sense as the former player had two significant career-defining moments during his tenure with the Chicago Bulls, but both on opposite sides of the spectrum.

The first incident was his famous fight with Michael Jordan in training camp. Kerr opened up about their scuffle while he was an analyst for TNT, and informed everyone what really happened that day.

"“I took exception to something he said. So I was talking back, and I don’t think Michael appreciated that … and we got in the lane, and he gave me a forearm shiver to the chest, and I pushed him back. And next thing you know, our teammates were pulling him off of me.”"

The fight ended with a black eye on Kerr’s end, and Jordan eventually having apologized that same day. Kerr looked back on the experience and explained how he was grateful for it.

"“It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I needed to stand up and go back at him. I think I earned some respect. But we have a great relationship ever since.”"

All in all, things worked out just fine for the two as Kerr’s other career-defining moment was much more glory filled. This instance comes as Steve Kerr connected on a 17-foot game-winning jumper and lifted the Bulls past the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals.

This single-shot undoubtedly forged Kerr’s legacy as he cemented the Bulls’ fifth NBA championship. Kerr himself has previously defined this shot as “the signature moment of my career.” 

Although Kerr is most known for these two moments, the former player was a prominent figure throughout the first two episodes of “The Last Dance.”

Hopefully, in the coming episodes, Kerr continues to be present and give some more of his perspective on what it was like being a part of this team.