Is Steve Kerr the New Phil Jackson? Golden State Warriors are Going to the Finals!

The Golden State Warriors and their fans have waited a long time to have their team earn a spot in the NBA finals. And after 40 years and just one year with their new Head Coach Steve Kerr, they accomplished what they set out to do so far. 

After the Golden State Warriors just beat the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals four games to one, ESPN’s Doris Burk asked Stephen Curry, “It should be noted that your ownership group [..] and your head coach Steve Kerr wanted this moment to be about your teammates, you and the guys, what does that say about Steve’s leadership and his humility?” Curry answered, “He’s done a great job taking over this team and taking us to new heights, we have worked so hard all year to put ourselves in this position and just blessed to be a part of something special.”

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The camera person panned over to Head Coach Steve Kerr after Curry’s statement, he looked very emotional but kept it together. It struck me, I am so proud of our Wildcats! Mostly on the Golden State Warriors, but also on the Houston Rockets. This last playoff game was extremely physical as Klay Thompson was hit in the side of the head by Trevor Ariza resulting in stitches in his right ear.  Our Andre Iguodala collided with Dwight Howard who seem to try to injure Iggy’s shoulder so much so that Iggy fell down on the court in pain for quite some time.

One of the most memorable plays during this game 5 was a monster dunk by Iggy; the dunk brought a fantastic response from the MVP who was resting on the sidelines.  Much like this one from game 3.

Arizona Wildcats

Before Steve Kerr accepted the Golden State Warriors Head Coach job, he was offered the New York Knicks Head Coaching job (so we heard) by one of his NBA mentors, Phil Jackson. Phil most probably sees himself in Kerr. He also is well aware of what type of player he was and I would assume because he was groomed by our beloved Head Coach Lute Olson.

Steve Kerr lost his father, an Educator, in 1984. His father sas assassinated in Lebonon by the Islamic Jihad. That type of experience can really set you back, but instead of folding, he became a great college basketball player, a great NBA player, a great NBA announcer, and now one of the best coaches in the NBA. He did pick a young and talented team to coach, so he had a lot of great players to work with. He also has two other Lute Olson mentored assistant coaches on his staff: Luke Walton and Bruce Fraser.

Steve Kerr’s post-game comments started with kudos and congratulations to the Houston Rockets, stating that every game was brutal for them and that they were a handful to guard and a “tought out”.  He also mentioned the suffering of Houstonians who were hit with flooding this week, and sent his well wishes to them as they go through this tough time.

May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks to the media after the game against the Houston Rockets in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the post game interviews, Kerr was asked about how he is feeling, “Relieved. You know I always think of Pat Riley’s great quote when you are coaching in the NBA, ‘there’s winning and there’s misery’,  and he’s right, winning feels like a relief more than anything most of the time, but to get to the finals for the first time in 40 years for the Warriors, its more than relief, its joy.” He continued, “I’m happy for everybody, especially our fans, I mean 40 years is a long time.”

I believe Steve Kerr can be the next Phil Jackson, he has a great start and a fantastic chance to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers with his league MVP, even though none of his players have ever played in the finals. His players adore him, the fans adore him, and Wildcat Nation will always adore him, but he is also has done a fantastic job this year thus far. Getting his first championship would be a great start.

I’m pulling for Golden State in the finals, they are a deep and extremely talented team. I don’t think LeBron James can be the entire team, with the injuries and constant changes on his team it will be a struggle, ego and all.  I cannot wait to celebrate with our Wildcats!

BEARDOWN STEVE! Good luck in the finals!

Next: Head Coach Sean Miller - will he break the final four this year?