Not many people get the chance to be up close and personal with two NBA legends, but Steve Kerr had the unique experience of playing alongside Michael Jordan and coaching Warriors star Stephen Curry.
From winning three consecutive championships with Jordan with the Chicago Bulls to four consecutive championships as coach of Curry and the Warriors, Kerr has many memories of two of the all-time greats. In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole, the 58-year-old reflected on the similarities between Jordan and Curry.
“I see the similarities and I see the differences,” Kerr told Poole. “The biggest similarity is the work ethic. Michael, like Steph, puts every ounce of energy into getting better every year and constantly looking for ways to get better.”
Kerr noted that Jordan may have been the first NBA player to hire his own personal trainer, Tim Grover, in an effort to stay in top shape. Like Jordan, Curry hired his own coach, Brendan Payne, who helped the 35-year-old continue to improve his game. Kerr said little things like that reveal two other key traits Jordan and Curry share.
“It’s the focus and the desire to compete,” Kerr told Poole. “People don’t know how competitive Stephen is. They know how competitive Michael is. They don’t know how competitive Stephen is because they see him laughing, but he’s a killer. He and Michael are both absolute killers, but they” It’s different people, different people. ”
Kerr explained that while Curry and Jordan shared a passion for the game, they demonstrated leadership in different ways. Curry is a much quieter leader than Jordan. Kerr described the Bulls star as having a more “boisterous” leadership style.
While Jordan and Curry have many similarities, there are also some differences, but one commonality stands out the most to Kerr.
“There are many ways to be successful, but in my opinion there are more similarities than differences,” Kerr told Poole. “The other thing that will always stick in my mind is that everywhere we went, there were red No. 23 jerseys in the stands. Today, everywhere we go, there are blue No. 30 jerseys in the stands. “
Two NBA superstars, two huge influences. Kerr was lucky enough to see it all up close.
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