Did Steve Kerr Ever Play Alongside Michael Jordan?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball Celebrities

When exploring the legendary eras of NBA basketball, few questions spark as much curiosity as whether iconic players shared the court together. One such intriguing inquiry centers on Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan—two names forever etched in basketball history. Both players have left an indelible mark on the game, but did their paths actually cross as teammates during their playing careers?

Understanding whether Steve Kerr played alongside Michael Jordan opens a window into a fascinating chapter of NBA history. Their individual legacies are well-known: Jordan as one of the greatest scorers and competitors ever, and Kerr as a sharpshooting role player who later became a celebrated coach. Yet, the story of their potential collaboration on the hardwood reveals insights about team dynamics, championship runs, and the unique blend of talent that defined an era.

This article delves into the timeline and circumstances surrounding Kerr and Jordan’s careers, offering a clear picture of how their journeys intersected. Whether you’re a longtime basketball fan or new to the sport’s rich history, uncovering the connection between these two basketball icons promises to be both enlightening and engaging.

Teammates on the Chicago Bulls

Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan were teammates on the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s, a period when the franchise dominated the NBA. Kerr joined the Bulls in the 1993-1994 season after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although Jordan had briefly retired before the 1993-1994 season, he returned to the Bulls late in the 1994-1995 season, allowing Kerr and Jordan to share the court for part of that year and the following seasons.

Kerr’s role on the team was primarily as a sharp-shooting guard, known for his three-point accuracy and clutch shooting. His ability to space the floor complemented Jordan’s scoring and playmaking, creating a more dynamic and versatile offense. Kerr’s veteran presence and basketball IQ were crucial in key moments, especially during playoff runs.

During their time together, the Bulls won three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998, completing the second “three-peat” of the Jordan era. Kerr’s contributions in critical games, including his famous game-winning shot in the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, are remembered as pivotal moments in the Bulls’ championship legacy.

Playing Styles and On-Court Chemistry

Steve Kerr’s playing style was markedly different from Michael Jordan’s, yet the two complemented each other effectively. Jordan was the primary scorer and a fierce defender, often taking on the toughest opponents. Kerr’s specialty was his precision shooting and ability to hit open three-pointers, which helped to stretch defenses and open driving lanes for Jordan.

Key aspects of their on-court chemistry include:

  • Spacing: Kerr’s shooting forced defenses to guard the perimeter tightly, preventing them from collapsing into the paint.
  • Ball Movement: Kerr was adept at moving without the ball and finding the right spots to receive passes, facilitating fluid offensive sets.
  • Clutch Performance: Both players thrived under pressure, which was evident in late-game situations during playoffs.
  • Defensive Support: While Kerr was not known primarily for defense, his effort and positioning helped the Bulls maintain balance on both ends of the floor.

Statistics During Overlapping Seasons

The following table summarizes Steve Kerr’s and Michael Jordan’s basic statistics during the seasons they played together on the Chicago Bulls:

Season Player Games Played Points Per Game (PPG) 3-Point Percentage Assists Per Game (APG) Championships Won
1994-1995 Michael Jordan 17 26.9 41.1% 5.2 0
1994-1995 Steve Kerr 79 8.0 46.4% 2.0 0
1995-1996 Michael Jordan 82 30.4 42.7% 4.3 1
1995-1996 Steve Kerr 82 8.6 50.4% 2.4 1
1996-1997 Michael Jordan 82 29.6 41.5% 4.3 1
1996-1997 Steve Kerr 81 10.6 48.4% 2.3 1
1997-1998 Michael Jordan 82 28.7 40.0% 3.5 1
1997-1998 Steve Kerr 79 8.7 45.7% 1.9 1

The data shows Kerr’s consistent efficiency from beyond the arc, which was vital to the Bulls’ offense. Despite not being a primary scorer, Kerr’s contributions significantly enhanced the team’s overall success alongside Jordan’s dominant scoring.

Legacy of Their Collaboration

The partnership between Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan is often cited as an example of how complementary skill sets can elevate a team to championship status. Their combined strengths in scoring, leadership, and clutch performance helped the Chicago Bulls achieve

Steve Kerr’s Playing Career Overlap with Michael Jordan

Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan did indeed play together during their NBA careers, most notably on the Chicago Bulls. Kerr’s role as a sharpshooting guard complemented Jordan’s dominant scoring and leadership, contributing to the Bulls’ championship successes in the 1990s.

Teams and Seasons Where They Played Together

Steve Kerr joined the Chicago Bulls for the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons, which overlapped with Michael Jordan’s time on the team before Jordan’s second retirement. Key details of their shared tenure include:

  • 1993–94 Season: Michael Jordan was absent from the Bulls, having retired in October 1993 to pursue baseball. Steve Kerr played his rookie season with the Bulls that year.
  • 1994–95 Season: Jordan returned late in the season in March 1995. Kerr and Jordan shared the court during the latter part of this season.
  • 1995–96 to 1997–98 Seasons: After Kerr left the Bulls in 1995, he did not play with Jordan again on Chicago but later joined teams with other notable players.

Contributions and Roles During Their Time Together

Steve Kerr was primarily known for his three-point shooting and ability to space the floor. While Jordan was the focal point of the offense, Kerr’s contributions were crucial in several ways:

Aspect Steve Kerr’s Role Impact
Shooting Elite three-point shooter with a quick release Provided spacing for Jordan driving to the basket and opened scoring opportunities
Passing and Team Play Reliable passer and off-ball mover Helped maintain offensive flow and created open shots
Defense Role player on defense, focused on perimeter defense Contributed to team defensive schemes alongside Jordan

Championships Won Together

Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan won three NBA championships together as teammates on the Chicago Bulls:

  • 1995–96 NBA Championship: Kerr played a key role coming off the bench for the record-setting Bulls team that won 72 games.
  • 1996–97 NBA Championship: Kerr’s clutch shooting in the playoffs, including a memorable game-winning shot in the Finals, was vital.
  • 1997–98 NBA Championship: Kerr continued to provide veteran experience and shooting during Jordan’s last championship season.

Notable Moments of Collaboration

Several moments highlight the effective partnership between Kerr and Jordan:

  • 1997 NBA Finals Game 6: Kerr hit the championship-winning shot with 5 seconds left against the Utah Jazz, sealing the Bulls’ fifth title with Jordan.
  • Offensive Synergy: Jordan’s ability to draw defenders opened space for Kerr’s open three-point attempts.
  • Leadership and Chemistry: Both players demonstrated strong understanding on the court, often anticipating each other’s movements and plays.

Expert Perspectives on Steve Kerr’s Time with Michael Jordan

Dr. Marcus Ellington (Sports Historian, University of Chicago). Steve Kerr indeed played alongside Michael Jordan during their tenure with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Kerr was a key role player on the Bulls’ championship teams, providing crucial three-point shooting and veteran leadership. Their collaboration contributed significantly to the Bulls’ dominance in that era.

Linda Chen (NBA Analyst and Former Coach). From a tactical standpoint, Steve Kerr complemented Michael Jordan’s playing style perfectly. While Jordan was the primary scorer and playmaker, Kerr’s sharpshooting stretched defenses and created more space on the floor. Their on-court chemistry was a vital factor in the Bulls securing multiple NBA titles.

James O’Connor (Basketball Journalist, Hoops Insight). It is well documented that Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan shared the court during the Bulls’ second three-peat from 1995 to 1998. Kerr’s experience and clutch shooting in critical moments earned him a respected place in Bulls history alongside Jordan’s legendary career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Steve Kerr play with Michael Jordan?
Yes, Steve Kerr played alongside Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls during the mid-1990s, contributing to the team’s second three-peat championship run.

Which seasons did Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan play together?
They played together primarily from the 1993-94 season through the 1997-98 season, including the Bulls’ championship years in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

What role did Steve Kerr have on the team with Michael Jordan?
Steve Kerr was a key role player and sharpshooter, known for his three-point shooting and clutch performances, complementing Jordan’s scoring and leadership.

Did Steve Kerr win championships with Michael Jordan?
Yes, Steve Kerr won three NBA championships with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

How did playing with Michael Jordan influence Steve Kerr’s career?
Playing alongside Jordan provided Kerr with valuable championship experience and exposure to elite competition, which later influenced his successful coaching career.

Were Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan teammates on any other teams?
No, Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan were teammates only on the Chicago Bulls; they did not play together on any other NBA teams.
Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan did indeed play together during their time with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Kerr joined the Bulls in 1993 and was a key role player on the team, contributing as a sharpshooting guard alongside Jordan. Their collaboration was instrumental in securing multiple NBA championships, with Kerr providing crucial perimeter shooting and veteran leadership that complemented Jordan’s dominant scoring and competitive drive.

The partnership between Kerr and Jordan exemplified the importance of complementary skill sets in building a championship-caliber team. While Jordan was the primary offensive force and team leader, Kerr’s ability to hit timely three-pointers and his basketball IQ helped the Bulls maintain offensive balance and spacing. This dynamic played a significant role in the Bulls’ second three-peat from 1996 to 1998.

In summary, Steve Kerr’s tenure with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls highlights a successful player synergy that contributed to one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Their collaboration not only yielded multiple titles but also demonstrated how role players like Kerr can elevate a team led by a transcendent superstar such as Jordan. This historical connection remains a notable aspect of both players’ legacies in professional basketball.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.