Steve Kerr is already regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA. His record with the Golden State Warriors is proof enough that he has etched his name in the top echelons of the coaching hierarchy.
However, one analyst believes that Kerr is moving to the top 5 of the coaching list, where Pat Riley and Phil Jackson sit, just because of how he has impacted the league.
Colin Cowherd was speaking on his podcast The Colin Cowherd Podcast hosted by Volume Sports. Cowherd alluded that Kerr not only depends on his coaching skills but also delves deep into his relationship with his players to bring out the best in them as was with Phil Jackson.
He further added that Kerr’s impact on the Warriors has helped them have a terrific run for the past 9 seasons.
Kerr’s remarkable. He is one of the most significant people in league history. He’s now one of the best coaches. Phil Jackson feel with his psychological impact and expertise beyond just x’s and o’s. He’s moving into a Pat Riley stage. This is an all-time top 5 guy in league history.
While speaking about the Warriors, Cowherd said
Furthermore, Kerr has not only brought out the best in his players but also changed the way the league plays basketball. Since he became head coach, the league has transitioned to counter his high-switching basketball schemes. This can only come from someone who is a student of the game. Hence the top-5 coach claim from Cowherd.
What Cowherd meant by saying that Steve Kerr is heading into a Pat Riley trajectory is that Riley has had a lasting impact on the Miami Heat. First as a head coach and then as an executive. Even though Kerr might not have an executive role with the Warriors, his impact could leave a similar lasting legacy.
Steve Kerr’s transcendence into a Top 5 coach
Steve Kerr joined the Golden State Warriors in 2014. Kerr’s impact was immediate as he led the Warriors to a 16-game improvement to win the West.
Steve Kerr’s coaching and psychological impact has made the Golden State Warriors to be the best team for 9 years (Image via Sportscenter/X)His improvements in the game plan helped Stephen Curry win his first MVP trophy and the Warriors their fourth NBA title. He is credited with developing 2nd-round draft pick Draymond Green into one of the best playmaking defenders in the league.
Kerr also incorporated high-switching offensive and defensive schemes. This led to Warriors players like Curry and Klay Thompson getting open for easy three-point shots. Add to that, the integration of small-ball lineups has led to three more championships. Kerr helped the Warriors become the best team in the NBA for nine straight seasons.
This impact has led many to believe that Kerr is one of the top coaches in league history. Colin Cowherd goes one better and says that Kerr is a Top-5 coach of all time.
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