“Perfect Storm”: Steve Kerr Reminisces About Michael Jordan and the Bulls’ “Dream” 1995–96 Run

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was one of the 13 members who were celebrated at the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor last night. The ceremony, which took place at halftime of the Bulls’ matchup against the Warriors, was marred by the fans’ disapproval of former GM Jerry Krause’s induction. While the 58-year-old was left devastated by the proceedings, he had nothing but fond memories of the legendary group’s time together in the 90s. He opened up about his journey with Michael Jordan and the Bulls during an interview ahead of the game.

Kerr shared that Jordan was motivated and excited for the transformative era in 1995. That was also when the Bulls traded for a former adversary, Dennis Rodman, from the San Antonio Spurs. Explaining the synergy that propelled the Bulls to greatness, Kerr said, “Yeah it was the perfect storm, yeah it really was. Michael came back from the previous year when he had returned just for a handful of games in the playoffs. He was so motivated right we obviously traded for Dennis. Phil was just brilliant all season long. We were loaded with talent.”

He continued, “Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, we had so much talent and the team was so motivated, it felt like a dream going through that year. One of the best years of my life for sure.” The Bulls were dominant throughout the 1995-96 season, setting the NBA regular-season record, going 72-10 which stood for two decades before his Warriors went 73-9 in 2015-16.

In the Playoffs, Chicago lost just 1 game before the NBA Finals, where they faced the Seattle Supersonics. While the Sonics managed to snatch two games from the Bulls, there was no doubt about who the superior team was. The Bulls capped off perhaps the greatest season in league history with a 4-2 win in the Finals.

It was during his time in Chicago that Kerr gained massive recognition. His game-winning jumper in the nail-biting Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals against Utah still lives fresh in the memory of everyone in The Windy City.

Winning three out of his five titles as a player in Chicago, Jordan’s partnership with Kerr became synonymous with the Bulls’ dominance. Their connection, however, wasn’t without its share of turbulence. 

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Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr went on to win 3 championship titles together after a brawl

It took a whole dramatic brawl and argument for Jordan to have faith in his former teammate and forge a bond that fans witnessed in their games. Meeting in 1995 after Jordan’s return from his first retirement, the duo faced challenges that tested their partnership.

One notable incident saw Jordan and Kerr get into a physical altercation. During the argument, Jordan punched Kerr at a practice session. The fallout resulted in Jordan’s temporary expulsion from practice by Coach Phil Jackson. Reflecting on his actions, Jordan later expressed remorse. He even reached out to Kerr, to apologize.

All’s well that ends well right? The duo along with their teammates steered the Bulls towards a historic second 3-peat. When its meant to be, it’s just meant to be.

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