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How Many Championship Rings Does Steve Kerr Have?

Contributors
Published June 29, 2023
11 min read

Steve Kerr's remarkable NBA career spans both playing and coaching, owning five rings as a player and four as a coach. As a player, Kerr's legacy flourished during his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he contributed to three of their Championships as well as with the San Antonio Spurs. His clutch shooting, highlighted by a game-winning shot in the 1997 NBA Finals, solidified his role in the Bulls' dominance.

When he transitioned to coaching, Kerr's leadership propelled the Golden State Warriors to four championships in eight years (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). His strategic brilliance and emphasis on teamwork established the Warriors as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history and revolutionized how the NBA plays.

Join us as we explore Steve Kerr's championship rings, delving into his impactful journey as a player and coach!

Steve Kerr Championship Rings

Steve Kerr Career Profile, Awards, & Accomplishments

Name: Stephen Douglas Kerr

Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard

Height: 6-3 (190 cm) 

Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

School: Arizona

Draft: Phoenix Suns (25th Pick, 50th Overall, 1988)

As a player:

  • NBA Champion (1996-1999, 2003)
  • NBA Three-Point Contest Champion

As a coach:

  • NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
  • NBA Coach of the Year (2016)
  • NBA All-Star Game head coach (2015, 2017)

1996: Chicago Bulls

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
1995-9672-10115.2101.8105.244.624.89.14.2.478/40.2.402/6.6
League Rank1st in East1st1st1st 4th5th3rd21st7th/1st3rd/10th

Kerr was instrumental to Chicago's success in the 1995-96 season, providing sharpshooting and reliable playmaking off the bench. Known for his excellent three-point shooting, Kerr played a crucial role in spreading the floor and creating space for his teammates. He averaged 8.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 50.6% from the field and 51.5% from beyond the arc.

Kerr's long-range accuracy was vital in stretching opposing defenses and opening up opportunities for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Kerr struggled through the playoffs, averaging just 6.8 points in 19.8 minutes while seeing his impressive shooting percentages take a hit. Regardless, his ability to excel in pressure-packed situations and provide valuable scoring off the bench made him an invaluable member of the historic 1995-96 Bulls team.

1997: Chicago Bulls

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
1996-9769-13114.4102.4103.145.126.18.74.0.473/40.0.373/6.4
League Rank1st in East1st4th1st2nd2nd7th25th3rd/1st6th/12th

In his fourth season with the Chicago Bulls, Kerr maintained his role as floor spreader and three-point shooting ace. He averaged 8.1 points per game, shooting 53.3% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc.

Kerr's ability to knock down crucial shots in critical moments earned him a reputation as a clutch performer, as seen through his game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals. His calm demeanor and basketball IQ made him a valuable asset to the Bulls' championship aspirations. Kerr's contributions were vital in helping the Bulls secure their fifth NBA championship of the 1990s.

1998: Chicago Bulls

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
1997-9862-20107.799.896.744.923.88.54.3.451/37.4.323/3.8
League Rank1st in East9th3rd9th2nd7th10th23rd16th/5th23rd/17th

Steve Kerr's 1997-98 NBA season marked his final year as a player for the Chicago Bulls and fittingly capped off his successful tenure with the team. Kerr continued to provide invaluable contributions off the bench, showcasing his trademark sharpshooting and veteran leadership. Despite playing just 50 games, he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 7.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 45.4% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc.

Kerr's ability to knock down crucial three-pointers in clutch moments became a trademark of his game. His accomplishments reached their pinnacle as he helped the Bulls secure their sixth NBA championship of the 1990s. Steve Kerr's 1997-98 season is a testament to his professionalism, clutch performances, and invaluable contributions to the Bulls' dynasty.

1999: San Antonio Spurs

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
1998-9937-13104.095.092.844.022.08.47.0.456/34.8.330/3.4
League Rank1st in West11th1st13th4th6th15th1st5th/12th19th/24th

Steve Kerr's 1998-99 NBA season saw him continue his playing career as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. At 33, Kerr gave the team valuable shooting and veteran leadership, contributing to their success during the shortened season due to a lockout. Kerr's offense wasn't as potent as usual, averaging 4.4 points per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc.

Despite playing just 44 games, Kerr's contributions and professionalism were instrumental in helping the Spurs reach the playoffs. Steve Kerr's 1998-99 season was another chapter in his accomplished playing career, earning another NBA Championship after leaving the Chicago Bulls.

2003: San Antonio Spurs

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
2002-0360-22105.699.795.842.620.07.76.5.462/35.5.354/5.5
League Rank1st in West7th3rd12th11th22nd17th1st4th/16th11th/11th

In Steve Kerr's final season as a player, the sharpshooting point guard helped his Spurs, and himself, to another NBA Championship ring. Kerr played 75 games despite limited playing time, more than any one of his previous five seasons. He averaged 4.0 points, and 1.4 assists per game that season while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc.

His veteran presence and experience helped the Spurs secure the top seed in the Western Conference and ultimately win the NBA Championship. While his playoff contributions were limited, he still showed off his quality by going 4 of 4 from three to help eliminate the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Kerr's 2002-03 season capped off an incredible career, proving him to be one of the league's greatest role players.

2015: Golden State Warriors

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
2014-1567-15111.6101.4110.044.727.49.36.0.478/87.0.398/10.8
League Rank1st in West2nd1st1st6th1st4th2nd1st/3rd1st/2nd

Steve Kerr took on his first and only NBA head coaching position in 2014, where he was contracted to lead the Golden State Warriors after back-to-back playoff eliminations under Mark Jackson. Already one of the league's better offensive teams, Kerr helped the Warriors hone their scoring potential while developing a top-tier defense.

After winning the best record in the NBA, the Warriors cruised to the NBA Championship, not losing more than two games in any single series. It was the beginning of a dynasty, which Kerr defined through ball movement, defense, and the best shooting ability the NBA has ever seen.

2017: Golden State Warriors

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
2016-1767-15115.6104.0115.944.430.49.66.8.495/87.1.383/12.0
League Rank1st in West1st2nd1st7th1st1st1st9th/1st3rd/4th

After a record-breaking season, Steve Kerr and the Warriors' 73-win year was dulled as they failed to win an NBA Championship. Channeling the success of their championship year, the Warriors went on to once again be the league's premiere two-way team - now with Kevin Durant added to the mix.

The Golden State Warriors had a near-perfect post-season, eliminating the Trail Blazers, Jazz, and Spurs without posting a single loss. In their NBA Finals rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors won their second NBA title under Steve Kerr while establishing themselves as the preeminent power in the NBA.

2018: Golden State Warriors

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
2017-1858-24113.6107.6113.543.529.38.07.5.503/42.8.391/11.3
League Rank2nd in West3rd11th1st17th1st9th1st1st/1st1st/8th

Steve Kerr's 2017-18 campaign leading the Golden State Warriors saw a dip in their excellent form over the last three years, but it still earned them second in the West and the third-best record in the NBA. With some added punch off the bench and Durant and Curry still leading the Warriors, their post-season success seemed almost guaranteed.

Despite finding most of their success without issue, the Warriors faced great adversity from the first-seed Houston Rockets, who pushed them to seven games. Steve Kerr, facing their rival Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, led his team to another title with four straight wins.

2022: Golden State Warriors

SeasonRecordOff RtfDef RtgPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%/FGM3P%/3PM
2021-2253-29112.5106.9111.045.527.18.84.5.469/40.5.364/14.3
League Rank3rd in West17th1st15th7th5th4th18th10th/17th8th/3rd

After three straight seasons of roster shuffling, significant injuries, and some time spent in the lottery, the Golden State Warriors shocked the world in 2022. With what many considered their weakest championship lineup, the Warriors showed they could accomplish anything with their star trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green available to play.

Having to adjust more than in his previous championship runs, Kerr found production in young players like Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to help his team win. Going 16-6 in the post-season and earning their fourth title in eight years, Kerr and the Warriors announced their return to the NBA's elite company.

Comparing Steve Kerr's Rings to the winningest players in NBA history

From the iconic Michael Jordan to the legendary Bill Russell, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport through their numerous championship victories. By comparing Kerr's rings with the success of these esteemed players, one can appreciate Kerr's value within his championship squads.

PlayerNo. of RingsYears WonTeam(s)
Bill Russell111957, 1959-69Boston Celtics
Sam Jones101959-66, 1968-69Boston Celtics
Robert Horry71994-95, 2000-2002, 2005, 2007Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar61971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
Michael Jordan61991-93, 1996-98Chicago Bulls
Scottie Pippen61991-93, 1996-98Chicago Bulls
Magic Johnson51980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88Los Angeles Lakers
Tim Duncan51999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014San Antonio Spurs
Kobe Bryant52000-02, 2009-10Los Angeles Lakers
Steve Kerr51996-99, 2003Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs
LeBron James42012-13, 2016, 2020Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers

Comparing Steve Kerr's Rings to the winningest coaches in NBA history

In terms of coaching, Steve Kerr's championship success has positioned him among the winningest coaches in NBA history. As we delve into this section, we can see how Kerr's collection of championship rings compares to the achievements of the most successful coaches in the league.

CoachNo. of RingsYears WonTeam(s)
Phil Jackson111991-93, 1996-98, 2000-02Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers
Red Auerbach91957, 1959-66Boston Celtics
Gregg Popovich51999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014San Antonio Spurs
Pat Riley51982, 1985, 1987-88, 2006Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat
Steve Kerr42015, 2017, 2018, 2022Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr's NBA Finals appearances compared to NBA legends

As an accomplished player and coach, Steve Kerr's NBA Finals appearances have placed him in the company of basketball legends. In this section, we'll see how Kerr's trips to the NBA Finals stack up against some of the greatest names in the game's history.

While Kerr's playing career featured a notable stint alongside Michael Jordan on the dominant Chicago Bulls, his coaching tenure with the Golden State Warriors propelled him to even greater heights. He may have just been a role player during his playing career, but it speaks volumes that he was wanted by some of the league's best-ever teams.

PlayerFinals AppearancesYearTeam(s)
Bill Russell121957, 1959-66, 1968-69Boston Celtics
Sam Jones111958-1966, 1968-1969Boston Celtics
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar101971, 1974, 1980, 1982-1989Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James102007, 2011-2014, 2015-2018, 2020Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers

Tom Heinsohn

9

1957-1965

Boston Celtics

Magic Johnson

9

1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991

Los Angeles Lakers
Jerry West9

1962-1966, 1968-1970

Los Angeles Lakers

Frank Ramsey

8

1957-1964

Boston Celtics
K. C. Jones81959-1966Boston Celtics
John Havlicek81963-1966, 1968-1969, 1974, 1976Boston Celtics
Bob Cousy71957-1963Boston Celtics
Robert Horry71994-1995, 2000-2002, 2005-2007Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs
Kobe Bryant72000-2002 2004, 2008-2010Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs
James Worthy61984-1985, 1987-1989, 1991Los Angeles Lakers 
Michael Jordan61991-1993, 1996-1998Chicago Bulls
Scottie Pippen61991-1993, 1996-1998Chicago Bulls
Shaquille O'Neal61995, 2000-2002, 2004, 2006Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat
Tim Duncan61999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2014San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker52003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2014San Antonio Spurs
Larry Bird51981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987Boston Celtics
Steve Kerr51996-99, 2003Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs

Steve Kerr Championship Rings FAQs

How many NBA Championship Rings does Steve Kerr have compared to Michael Jordan?

Will Steve Kerr win more NBA Championships?

How does Steve Kerr's championship count compare to other current NBA coaches?

Christian Jope WSN Contributors

Christian Jope

NBA Betting Analyst

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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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Education: Bachelor of Arts (Applied Economics)
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