“Me and Scott played with Steve Kerr, he couldn’t hit a shot … That man went to the Bulls and got 5 rings" - Shaquille O'Neal says Steve Kerr found success with a team that used him well

Shaquille O'Neal has repeatedly stated that he believes the NBA is composed of two kinds of players, out-and-out talents and those who thrive in certain systems. The LA Lakers legend used the example of Steve Kerr to explain how a system player can have incredible success.

On an episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," O'Neal pointed out how moving to the Chicago Bulls brought out the best in Kerr.

“Me and D-Scott played with Steve Kerr. He couldn’t hit a shot! He could not hit a shot. That man went to the Bulls, and he got five rings.”

Steve Kerr, Shaquille O'Neal and Dennis Scott played together for the Orlando Magic during the 1992-93 season.

The usually efficient Kerr averaged a ghastly 25.0% from 3-point range that season. He previously averaged 47.5% in stints with the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a single season with the Magic, Steve Kerr found himself playing for the Chicago Bulls who didn’t have Michael Jordan. “His Airness” at the time was fulfilling a childhood dream of playing baseball.

In his second year with the Bulls, the former Arizona Wildcat led the NBA in 3-point shooting at 52.4%. He went on to become one of legendary head coach Phil Jackson’s most trusted role players.

In five years with the Bulls, Steve Kerr averaged 8.2 points, shooting a jaw-dropping 47.9% from long range. Shaquille O'Neal was wrong in one aspect though. Only three of Kerr's five titles came with the Bulls (1996-1998).

After the Bulls unceremoniously disbanded their dynasty, Steve Kerr took his talents to the San Antonio Spurs. He played for another legendary coach in Gregg Popovich and was an integral part of their system.

Kerr’s championship spree continued as he won the title with the Spurs in 1999, making it four straight rings for the deadly shooter. He added another title with San Antonio in 2003.

He finished his career as the league’s all-time leader in 3-point field-goal percentage with 45.4%.

Shaquille O'Neal calls Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors clear favorites for the 2023 NBA championship

The Golden State Warriors could repeat as champs. [Photo: SFGATE]

Even before the 2021-22 NBA season started, Shaquille O’Neal predicted that the Golden State Warriors would win the crown. He believed that when healthy, the Warriors had no equals. Shaquille O'Neal, of course, was proven right. He has now predicted Steve Kerr’s team to repeat as champions next year.

Golden State’s mantra of “Strength in Numbers” is a tribute to the bench players who excel in their assignments. This is something Steve Kerr is familiar with, having thrived in a similar role.

Kerr has built a system that revolves around Steph Curry, but hums even when the superstar has an off night.

Recommended Video

Guess the Lakers players!