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Johnny Kerr
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Johnny Kerr
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John Graham Kerr (July 17, 1932[1] – February 26, 2009), also known as Red Kerr, was an American basketball player, coach, executive and broadcaster who devoted six decades to the sport at all levels. In 2009, he was honored with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to basketball.

Key Information

The affable 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), 230-pound (104.3 kg) center starred for the University of Illinois (1951–1954) before he became a three-time All-Star and one-time league champion in the NBA (1954–66), primarily as a member of the Syracuse Nationals.

Kerr was the first of the NBA iron men in the early years of the league. From 1954 to 1965, he played in 917 consecutive games, including 844 in the regular season,[2] a record that stood for 17 years. He averaged 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 905 games over 12 seasons, all except one with the Nationals (later the Philadelphia 76ers). More consistent than spectacular, Kerr averaged in double figures in points and rebounds in seven consecutive seasons (1956–64), when he earned the reputation as one of the best big men in the league.

After retirement as a player, Kerr held several coaching and administrative positions, most notably coach of the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns in their first-ever seasons. In his debut on the bench, the 1966-67 Bulls defied long odds to earn a postseason berth, the first expansion team in major professional team sports to do so.

The Chicago native concluded his career as a Bulls television analyst for thirty-three years, during which he was one of the most recognizable personalities of the Bulls dynasty in the 1990s decade.

Early life

[edit]

Kerr was born on July 17, 1932, in Chicago.[3] His father was born in Scotland, and was a top soccer player. He came to the United States and worked as a meat packer in Chicago, dying of pneumonia at age 32, when Kerr was three years old.[2] Kerr was raised in the 67th and Racine neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Kerr was a frequent 16-inch softball player, his personal favorite sport, at Ogden Park. He had aspirations of a career working in a foundry, in which he became proficient as a Tilden Technical High School student. Kerr said "'People from Tilden didn't go to college.... They went to work. My courses were shop, woodworking, auto mechanics and foundry.'"[2][4]

Although Kerr's first passion[citation needed] was soccer, an eight-inch growth spurt during his senior year[citation needed] at Tilden Tech coupled with some friendly persuasion from its head basketball coach Bill Postl and school principal Robert Lakemacher[citation needed] turned his attention to basketball. Kerr had entered high school at 6 ft (1.83 m) tall and was 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) by his senior year.[2] The pivotman (center) led the Blue Devils to the 1950 Chicago Public League championship in his only season with the team.[5][6][4] After that, Kerr received college basketball scholarship offers.[2]

College career

[edit]

Upon graduation from high school in mid-year (January 1950), Kerr was set to attend Bradley in the fall. However, after a visit from Illini freshman Irv Bemoras touting the benefits of playing for head coach Harry Combes and the Fighting Illini, he made a visit to Champaign and quickly changed his mind.[7][2] Always quick with a quip, Kerr became known for his self-deprecating humor. When asked about his introduction to Chaucer in college, Kerr said the two hadn't met yet, but he assumed they would at a fraternity party.[8][9]

After committing to Illinois in the fall of 1950, Kerr made his varsity debut as a sophomore center-forward in the 1951–52 season.[10] Despite the loss of the 1950-51 team’s leading scorers, captain and Most Valuable Player Don Sunderlage and Ted Beach, from the No. 5 Associated Press (AP) nationally ranked Illini,[11][12][13][14] Kerr and his teammates captured the 1951-52 Big Ten Conference championship with a 12–2 conference record (22–4 overall), and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.[10]

The team advanced to the Final Four with victories over Dayton and Duquesne.[15] The Illini lost to St. John's in the semifinals, 61–59, then they beat Santa Clara in the third-place game, with Kerr scoring 26 points.[16] He was selected to the 1952 NCAA All-Tournament team.[17] Kerr led the Illini with a 13.7-points average in 26 games. Illinois finished the season with a final AP ranking of No. 2 in the nation.[10]

Kerr joined three starters from the previous season on the 1952–53 Illini team, but the team would not enjoy similar success. It finished 18–4 overall (14–4 in conference), which was good for a second-place finish to national champion Indiana. Kerr continued to shine with a team-high average of 17.5 points in 22 games. The Illini ranked No. 11 in the country in the final AP poll.[18][19]

By the time that Kerr entered his senior year, he had grown one inch to 6-foot-9[citation needed] and become[citation needed] a full-time pivotman. While the finale was the best of his three varsity seasons individually, the team would be the least successful among them. The 1953–54 Illini finished third in the Big Ten with a 10–4 record (17–5 overall) and was ranked 19th in the country in the final AP poll. They lost 67–64 to Indiana in the Big Ten championship game.[20][21] Kerr paced the team in scoring for the third straight season, shattering the single-season team record[citation needed] with 556 points in 22 games for a 25.3 points average, which also led the Big Ten in scoring.[20] In three varsity seasons, Kerr scored 1,299 points, an average of 18.6 points per game.[22]

Kerr was selected a first-team forward Big Ten All-Star, and the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player in 1954.[23][24] He was elected to the University of Illinois All-Century Team in 2004.[25]

Professional career

[edit]

Syracuse Nationals-Philadelphia 76ers (1954–1965)

[edit]

In 1954, the Syracuse Nationals selected Kerr at the sixth overall pick of the NBA draft.[26] The 22-year-old played a bit role with the veteran-laden team in the early season.[citation needed] By the turn of the calendar year, he had earned enough trust from head coach Al Cervi to warrant an increased role.[citation needed] He went on to average 10.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the regular season.[27]

Come playoff time, Kerr was part of the core nucleus, starting alongside Dolph Schayes, Red Rocha, Paul Seymour and George King.[28] In his postseason debut, the rookie dominated with 27 points and 14 rebounds in a 110–100 victory over the Boston Celtics that set the tone in the Eastern Division finals.[29] The Nationals went on to beat the Celtics in four games, with Kerr averaging 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.[30] The Nationals then beat the Fort Wayne Pistons in seven games in the NBA Finals to capture their first and only NBA championship in Syracuse.[31][32] Kerr averaged 12.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game in the finals, second only to Schayes in both categories.[31]

Even though future Hall of famer Schayes, who was an All-Star selection 12 consecutive years with the Nationals[33][34] cast a shadow over his Nationals teammates as the team's preeminent star player, Kerr was also a three-time All-Star selection (1956, 1959, 1963)[3] who was equally adept in the high and low post.[citation needed] He was unique in his day as a big man who was a skilled ball-handler and passer.[4] In addition to his workmanlike production as a rebounder, he was a skilled passer and master of the backdoor play, which he executed with guards Al Bianchi, Larry Costello and Hal Greer on a regular basis.[citation needed] Schayes, who called Kerr his best friend, said Kerr played center against Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain as well as anyone.[35]

Kerr averaged double-doubles in rebounding and scoring from the 1956-57 season through the 1963-64 season. In the 1958-59 season he averaged a career-high 17.8 points per game to go along with 14 rebounds a game in one of his all-star seasons. In the 1961-62 season, he averaged a career high 14.7 rebounds per game and 16.8 points per game. The following season, the team's last year in Syracuse, he was 6th in NBA most valuable player voting, averaging 15.7 points and 13 rebounds per game.[3][36] He was in the top-10 players in rebounding eight times and the top-five three times.[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Kerr also averaged a double-double over 76 playoff games, with 12.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.[3]

Baltimore Bullets (1965–1966)

[edit]

On September 22, 1965, Kerr was dealt to the Baltimore Bullets for guard Wally (later Wali) Jones.[45] The veteran averaged 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds during the 1965–66 season,[46] after which he was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1966 NBA expansion draft.[47] Instead, Kerr voluntarily retired as a player to become the head coach of his hometown team.[9]

Career

[edit]

Kerr finished his career with totals of 12,480 points and 10,092 rebounds along with the NBA record for most consecutive regular season games played (844 from 1954-65).[3][48] The mark stood until November, 1982, when San Diego Clippers guard Randy Smith surpassed it en route to a streak of 906 games.[49]

Kerr averaged a double-double over his career (13.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game), with over 10,000 total points (12,480) and rebounds (10,092).[3] Most players who achieved these accomplishments in the NBA's first 50 years are in the Hall of Fame, but Kerr is not.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

Chicago Bulls (1966–1968)

[edit]

After Kerr was hired as head coach, one of his first acts was to convince owner and general manager Dick Klein to claim former Bullets teammate, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) guard, Jerry Sloan in the expansion draft. The Bullets had three veteran guards playing ahead of little-used defense oriented Sloan, and Kerr had seen Sloan was a talented player.[50][51] He also lobbied[citation needed] for the acquisition of veteran floor leader and future Hall of Fame guard Guy Rodgers[52] in a trade that sent guards Jim King (drafted from the Los Angeles Lakers) and Jeff Mullins (drafted from the St. Louis Hawks) to the San Francisco Warriors before the start of the season.[53] The trade led the NBA to change the rules so that expansion teams were not permitted to make trades for one year after entering the league.[50]

Nobody outside the organization gave the expansion club much of a chance, however, least of all St. Louis Hawks player-coach Richie Guerin, who on the eve of the regular-season opener said the Bulls would be fortunate to win 20 games in their debut season.[citation needed] It is also reported that Guerin predicted the Bulls would not win 10 games, which Sloan said provided the team strong motivation to be successful.[54][55] In the first game in team history on October 15, 1966, the Bulls defeated Guerin's Hawks 104–97, with Rodgers scoring 36 points.[54][56]

Kerr emphasized that the team play hard on defense and run the fast break on offense to make up for shortcomings in talent on the expansion team.[57] Kerr let Rodgers run the Bulls offense the vast majority of the time.[58] Rodgers went on to set a then NBA record with 908 assists during his one season with the Bulls (with a league leading 11.2 assists per game to go along with an 18 points per game scoring average).[59][60] Rodgers and Bulls' teammate Don Kojis, who had great leaping ability, worked together and "introduced the back door baseline lob slam dunk to the NBA" (the alley-oop), which became the team's most popular play that year in Chicago.[61] There is some dispute, however, over the origins of the alley-oop.[62]

Sloan and Rodgers proved to be instrumental in the immediate success of the so-called "Baby Bulls",[63] who quieted the naysayers with a 33–48 record, fourth best in the five-team Western Division.[64] Both were selected to the Western Division All-Star team.[60] The 33–48 record was sufficient to qualify the Bulls for a playoff spot, losing to the Hawks in the Western Division Semifinals.[65] This was the first (and so far only time) that an expansion NBA team has done so in league history.[66] Kerr was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year Award,[67] the only person to receive the award with a sub-.500 record (through the 2024-25 season).[68]

The Bulls struggled the following season, after trading Rodgers in October to the Cincinnati Royals.[69] They started with 15 losses in their first 16 games.[70] The team regrouped to earn a playoff berth with a 29–53 record, only to be eliminated in five games by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.[71] Kerr coached his last game with the Bulls on March 31, 1968, in the series ending loss to the Lakers.[72] The inability to build off the momentum of the previous season coupled with philosophical differences with team ownership led to Kerr's dismissal after the season.[citation needed] It was also reported that the expansion Phoenix Suns enticed Kerr to leave the Bulls to become the Suns first head coach.[73]

Phoenix Suns (1968–1970)

[edit]

In April 1968, Kerr was hired as the first head coach of the expansion Phoenix Suns by the Suns first general manager (and Kerr's longtime friend), 28-year old Jerry Colangelo. Like Kerr, Colangelo worked for the expansion Chicago Bulls in 1966; serving as head scout and in the front office, before leaving the Bulls in 1968 to lead the Suns. Also like Kerr, Colangelo had attended Illinois and played college ball there.[23][73]

After the Suns lost a coin flip that would have brought former UCLA superstar center Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to Phoenix at the first pick of the NBA draft,[4] Kerr was left with a woefully inexperienced group that failed to duplicate the success of his expansion Bulls team in Chicago. The Suns finished in last place with a 16–66 record in the Western Division, eleven wins less than the next worst team.[74]

Better things were expected in the 1969-70 season with the addition of future Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, forward Paul Silas and number two draft pick Neal Walk (on a team that also included future Hall of fame guard Gail Goodrich and 1970 all-star guard Dick Van Arsdale).[75][76][77][78] Even though the club made progress at the outset of the 1969–70 season with a 15–23 record, they had lost six of their last seven games,[79][75] and Kerr was asked for his resignation.[citation needed][80]

He was replaced as interim coach by Colangelo, his close friend, who called it both his biggest thrill to become an NBA coach (his first coaching position), but his saddest day to be replacing his close friend.[81][75] Kerr remained with the organization for the remainder of the season, serving as a scout[81] and color commentator alongside Hot Rod Hundley on radio broadcasts.[82][80] The Suns were 24–20 under Colangelo, with Hawkins first-team All-NBA.[77]

Broadcasting, front office career

[edit]

Kerr spent the 1970–71 and 1971-72 campaigns as the Virginia Squires' administrative vice president in the rival ABA,[83] joining his old teammate and Bulls assistant coach Al Bianchi, who was now the Squires' head coach and general manager.[2][84][85][86] He became general manager in 1972. One of the Squires players Kerr signed was rookie Julius Irving, regarded by many as the greatest player of his time and the key player in leading to the ABA's merger with the NBA.[87][88][89][90] Kerr also discovered future Hall of Famer George Gervin playing playground basketball.[57][91]

Kerr returned to the Chicago Bulls in the front office as business manager from 1973-75, under coach and general manager Dick Motta.[57] In 1975, the Bulls play-by-play announcer Jim Durham suggested that Kerr provide commentary during games,[92] and Kerr remained as a color commentator until the end of the 2007–08 season.[93]

As a broadcaster, Kerr was part of the Bulls' six championships in the 1990s and Michael Jordan's entire career with the team. He became best known for his emphatic call on "The Shot", Jordan's series-winning basket in Game 5 of the first round of the 1989 Eastern Conference playoffs. "The Bulls win it! We win it! ... Whooo!" Kerr screamed into his microphone.[94]

Over the years, Kerr and Jordan collaborated in a pre-game ritual in which the Bulls superstar would head to Kerr's seat at courtside immediately prior to tip-off and playfully clap talcum powder in front of him.[95] Jordan later said, "I don't know how it started. I think he had a nice suit on and I wanted to mess him up a little."[96]

Kerr made occasional appearances as a halftime commentator in the first half of the 2008–09 season, but as his struggles with prostate cancer continued, public appearances became less frequent.[97] The Bulls honored Kerr for his years of service at a February 10, 2009 halftime ceremony, where the team unveiled a sculpture of Kerr that would stand in the United Center. During the ceremony, Michael Jordan said "'Us players come and go ... but the one constant thing about the Chicago Bulls is Johnny (Red) Kerr.'"[48] President Barack Obama was among those speaking in honor of Kerr.[35]

At the ceremony, he also received the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jerry Colangelo.[48] February 10, 2009, was declared Johnny Red Kerr Appreciation Day in the city of Chicago by Mayor Richard M. Daley.[98]

Personal life

[edit]

Kerr's life and that of his family was marked by private and public service to other people. After his father died, Kerr's mother took in her four siblings and a cousin during the Great Depression.[2] In high school, he assisted in the School Children's Aid society's drive to obtain clothing for children who would not have been able to attend school otherwise.[99] Kerr and his wife Betsy had five children and adopted her sister's three children when Betsy's sister died within months of her husband.[2]

His life also included tragedy. Kerr's oldest child, John Jr. (Jay), died suddenly of meningitis when Jay was three years old. One of the nieces he and Betsy adopted was murdered at college, likely by a never captured serial killer.[2]

He was also an insurance investment consultant, and head of Kerr Financial Services.[57]

Death

[edit]

Kerr died of prostate cancer at 76 years of age on February 26, 2009, only hours after ex-Bulls guard-broadcaster Norm Van Lier suffered a fatal heart attack.[100][101] Kerr had been married to Betsy (Nemecek) Kerr since 1954 until her death in 2000, having met her while they attended the University of Illinois. Their marriage was generally considered the center of his life.[57]

Legacy and honors

[edit]

Kerr was fondly regarded during his entire basketball career for his good nature, as well as his qualities as a player, coach and broadcaster. Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) sports editor and writer Murray Olderman once began an article about Kerr with "Johnny Kerr is a beautiful man", then going on to describe Kerr's humor, perspective, insight and humility.[9] In 2009, Kerr received the Naismith Hall of Fame's John Bunn Award honoring those "whose outstanding accomplishments have impacted the high school, college, professional or international game." Hall of Fame president John L. Doleva called Kerr the "'epitome of what the [award] is meant to recognize.'"[67]

Kerr has received the following awards and honors, among others;

Career statistics

[edit]

College

[edit]
Season Games Points PPG Field Goals Attempts Avg Free Throws Attempts Avg Big Ten
Record 		Overall
Record 		Highlight
1951–52 26 357 13.7 143 365 .392 71 124 .573 12–2 22–4 Honorable Mention All-American
1952–53 22 386 17.5 153 397 .385 80 123 .650 14–4 18–4 Honorable Mention All-American
1953–54 22 556 25.3 210 520 .404 136 213 .638 10–4 17–5 Big Ten Player of the Year
Totals 70 1229 18.6 506 1282 .395 287 460 .624 36–10 57–13

[107]

NBA

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1954–55† Syracuse 72 21.2 .419 .682 6.6 1.1 10.5
1955–56 Syracuse 72 29.4 .403 .655 8.4 1.2 13.3
1956–57 Syracuse 72 30.4 .403 .719 11.2 1.3 12.4
1957–58 Syracuse 72 33.1 .399 .664 13.4 1.2 15.2
1958–59 Syracuse 72 37.1 .441 .766 14.0 2.0 17.8
1959–60 Syracuse 75 31.6 .392 .752 12.2 2.2 14.7
1960–61 Syracuse 79 33.9 .397 .729 12.0 2.5 13.4
1961–62 Syracuse 80 34.6 .443 .735 14.7 3.0 16.3
1962–63 Syracuse 80 32.0 .474 .753 13.0 2.7 15.7
1963–64 Philadelphia 80 36.7 .429 .751 12.7 3.4 16.8
1964–65 Philadelphia 80 22.6 .370 .696 6.9 2.5 8.2
1965–66 Baltimore 71 24.9 .413 .768 8.3 3.2 11.0
Career 905 30.7 .418 .723 11.2 2.2 13.8

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1954–55† Syracuse 11 33.0 .391 .557 10.7 1.2 13.8
1955–56 Syracuse 8 26.6 .481 .455 8.5 1.3 11.1
1956–57 Syracuse 5 32.4 .431 .690 13.8 1.2 15.2
1957–58 Syracuse 3 38.7 .327 .778 20.3 1.0 16.7
1958–59 Syracuse 9 34.7 .352 .909 12.0 2.7 14.4
1959–60 Syracuse 3 34.7 .294 .917 8.3 3.0 13.7
1960–61 Syracuse 8 26.3 .341 .696 12.4 2.5 9.5
1961–62 Syracuse 5 38.6 .376 .750 16.0 2.0 17.6
1962–63 Syracuse 5 37.4 .433 .762 15.0 1.8 13.6
1963–64 Philadelphia 5 37.0 .482 .750 13.8 3.2 19.0
1964–65 Philadelphia 11 16.5 .358 .714 3.5 2.5 5.7
1965–66 Baltimore 3 16.3 .182 .500 5.7 1.3 1.7
Career 76 29.9 .386 .687 10.9 2.0 12.3

All-Star Games

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1955–56 Syracuse 1 16.0 .500 .000 8.0 0.0 4.0
1958–59 Syracuse 1 21.0 .214 .500 9.0 2.0 7.0
1962–63 Syracuse 1 11.0 .000 1.000 2.0 1.0 2.0

Head coaching record

[edit]
Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
Chicago 1966–67 81 33 48 .407 4th in Western 3 0 3 .000 Lost in Division semifinals
Chicago 1967–68 82 29 53 .354 4th in Western 5 1 4 .200 Lost in Division semifinals
Phoenix 1968–69 82 16 66 .195 7th in Western - - - - Missed playoffs
Phoenix 1969–70 38 15 23 .395 4th in Western - - - - Fired
Total 283 93 190 .329 8 1 7 .125

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johnny Kerr

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
John Graham "Red" Kerr (July 17, 1932 – February 26, 2009) was an American professional basketball player, coach, and sportscaster, renowned for his pivotal roles in the early history of the franchise and his enduring contributions to the sport. Born in , , Kerr rose from a local high school standout at Tilden Technical High School—where he led the team to the city championship in 1950—to a standout college career at the University of , earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1954 and helping the Illini secure the Big Ten title in 1952. Kerr's professional playing career spanned 12 NBA seasons from 1954 to 1966, primarily with the Syracuse Nationals (later the ), where he contributed to their 1955 NBA Championship as a and earned three selections (1956, 1959, 1963). Known as the "Iron Man" for his durability, he holds the NBA record for consecutive games played with 844 from 1954 to 1965, while amassing 12,480 points and 10,092 rebounds over his career. After retiring as a player with the Bullets in 1966, Kerr transitioned seamlessly into coaching, becoming the inaugural head coach of the expansion in 1966; in their debut 1966–67 season, he guided the team to a 33–48 record and a playoff berth, earning him the NBA Coach of the Year award—the only coach to achieve playoffs in an expansion team's first year. He later served as the first head coach of the from 1968 to 1970 before shifting to broadcasting. Kerr's broadcasting tenure with the Bulls spanned over three decades, from 1975 until his retirement after the 2007–08 season, during which he became a beloved fixture as a , covering the team's rise including Michael Jordan's entire career and infusing broadcasts with his signature humor and encyclopedic knowledge. A native through and through, he remained a franchise ambassador until his death from on February 26, 2009, at age 76, just hours after fellow Bulls legend ; Kerr was posthumously honored with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, inducted into the University of Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, and into the Ring of Honor in 2023.

Early life and education

Early life

John Graham Kerr, known as Johnny or "Red" Kerr, was born on July 17, 1932, in , , to Matthew Kerr, a Scottish immigrant who worked as a meatpacker in the city's stockyards, and his wife , of Swedish descent. When Kerr was just three years old, his father died of at the age of 32, leaving the family to navigate life without him. Raised by his mother on Chicago's South Side amid the hardships of the , Kerr grew up in a working-class neighborhood marked by economic challenges and resilience. He attended Tilden Technical High School, where his early athletic interests centered on soccer, reflecting his father's Scottish heritage and the sport's popularity in immigrant communities. However, a dramatic growth spurt of approximately 8 inches during his senior year propelled him to a height of 6 feet 9 inches, prompting a shift to and positioning him as a promising . He led Tilden to the Chicago city championship in 1950. Under the guidance of his high school coach, Kerr honed his skills in the paint, leveraging his newfound stature and agility to excel in the sport. This transition marked the beginning of his journey, leading him to continue his development at the University of .

College career

Johnny Kerr enrolled at the University of in 1951 and played for the Fighting Illini men's team from 1952 to 1954 under Harry Combes. As a in the 1951-52 season, Kerr helped lead to the championship with a 22-4 overall record and a first-place finish in conference play. The team advanced to the NCAA , reaching the where they defeated Santa Clara 67-64 for third place after a semifinal loss to St. John's, 61-59; Kerr was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team for his contributions. In his three varsity seasons, Kerr established himself as a dominant , leading the team in scoring each year and serving as a key anchor in the frontcourt that bolstered ' rebounding and interior defense during their competitive Big Ten campaigns. Kerr's scoring prowess peaked in his senior year of 1953-54, when he averaged 25.3 —second-highest in school history at the time—and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors along with the Big Ten Silver Basketball as conference player of the year. Over his career, he appeared in 70 games, totaling 1,299 points for an average of 18.6 , making him Illinois' all-time leading scorer upon graduation. He was recognized as a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection in his and junior years, and in 1954, he was named a Helms Foundation Second-Team All-American, Third-Team All-American, and Second-Team All-American. As team MVP and captain in his final season, Kerr's leadership and consistent double-figure scoring were instrumental in maintaining Illinois' status as a Big Ten contender, though the team finished third in conference play that year.

Playing career

Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers

Johnny Kerr was selected by the Syracuse Nationals with the sixth overall pick in the out of the University of . As a 6-foot-9 center, he quickly established himself as a starting player, bringing rebounding prowess and scoring ability to a team led by Hall of Famer . In his rookie season of 1954–55, Kerr averaged 10.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, contributing to the Nationals' Eastern Division title and their NBA Championship win over the Fort Wayne Pistons in the Finals, where he posted 12.0 points and 10.3 rebounds across seven games. His synergy with Schayes and teammates like and Paul Seymour formed a formidable frontcourt that emphasized balanced offense and defensive tenacity against early NBA stars such as and . Over the next several seasons with Syracuse, Kerr solidified his role as a reliable big man, earning three selections (1956, 1959, 1963) and consistently ranking among the league's top rebounders. One of his standout campaigns came in 1962–63, when he averaged 15.7 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, helping the Nationals secure a 48–32 record and a division semifinal appearance despite fierce competition from the . Kerr's passing skills for a were notable, often setting up Schayes for jumpers or feeding guards like Al Bianchi in transition, while his matchups against emerging talents like highlighted his competitive edge in the paint. The Nationals made multiple deep playoff runs during his tenure, including division finals losses to in 1960 and 1962, showcasing Kerr's endurance in high-stakes series. In 1963, the franchise relocated to and rebranded as the 76ers, with Kerr remaining a cornerstone amid the transition to a larger market. He adapted seamlessly to the new environment, continuing as a starter alongside Schayes and new additions like , averaging 16.8 points and 12.7 rebounds in the 1963–64 season as the team adjusted to the East Division. Kerr's leadership helped stabilize the roster during this period of change, fostering team chemistry that propelled the 76ers to playoff contention in subsequent years. His 11 seasons with the organization (including the relocation) underscored his loyalty and durability, culminating in a streak of 844 consecutive games played from 1954 to 1965.

Baltimore Bullets

In September 1965, after 11 years with the Syracuse Nationals and , where he had established himself as a three-time and key contributor to the 1955 NBA championship, Johnny Kerr was traded to the Baltimore Bullets in exchange for guard . This move marked a shift for the 33-year-old center, who brought veteran experience to a Bullets squad rebuilding amid roster changes. During the 1965–66 season, Kerr appeared in 71 games for , averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while serving as a steady presence in the frontcourt. As a seasoned leader, he provided guidance to younger teammates on a team that struggled defensively, allowing the most in the league despite finishing second in the Western Division with a 38–42 record. His role emphasized reliability over star production, drawing on his prior durability—though accumulating injuries, including chronic ankle issues treated with unconventional home remedies like snow packs, began to limit his mobility. Kerr announced his retirement from playing following the season, citing the physical toll of 12 NBA years and persistent injuries that had increasingly affected his performance in . He was selected by the in the 1966 NBA expansion draft from the Bullets, but opted not to continue as a player, closing a career that totaled 12,480 points and 10,092 rebounds.

Playing achievements

Johnny Kerr concluded his 12-season NBA career with impressive statistical benchmarks, averaging 13.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game across 905 regular-season appearances. His rebounding prowess placed him among the elite centers of the and , as he ranked in the top 10 in the league for rebounds per game eight times between 1955 and 1964, including a career-high 14.7 in the 1961-62 season and 13.4 in 1957-58. These figures underscored his reliability in the paint during an era dominated by towering figures like and . Kerr earned three NBA All-Star selections, representing the East in 1956, 1959, and , where he showcased his versatility as a scoring and rebounding threat. In the game, he contributed 2 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes, helping the East secure a 115-108 victory. These honors highlighted his consistent impact, particularly with the Syracuse Nationals and , where his defensive presence and playmaking aided team successes, including the 1955 championship. One of Kerr's most enduring legacies was his ironman durability, as he played in 844 consecutive regular-season games from the 1954-55 season through the 1964-65 campaign, an NBA record that stood until 1983. This streak, spanning over 11 seasons without missing a single game, exemplified his toughness in a physically demanding and included participation in 73 playoff contests, bringing his total consecutive appearances to 917. His endurance not only boosted his teams' consistency but also set a standard for longevity among big men. Kerr contributed to the of the center position by demonstrating advanced passing skills uncommon for players of his size and role during the 1950s and 1960s, often initiating fast breaks with precise outlets that enhanced offensive flow. At 6-foot-9, he blended rebounding dominance with playmaking—averaging 2.2 assists per game—paving the way for more versatile bigs in subsequent decades, while holding his own against defensive specialists like Russell.

Coaching career

Chicago Bulls

Following his retirement from playing, Johnny Kerr transitioned directly into coaching by voluntarily retiring from active duty after being selected by the in the 1966 NBA , allowing him to serve as the franchise's inaugural . A Chicago native who had starred at Tilden Technical High School and later at the University of , Kerr's hiring on , 1966, represented a homecoming for the 33-year-old, who brought local enthusiasm and familiarity to the newly formed team owned by Dick Klein. In the Bulls' debut 1966–67 season, Kerr guided the expansion squad to a 33–48 record, securing fourth place in the Western Division and earning a playoff berth—the only time an NBA expansion team has reached the postseason in its inaugural year. This achievement highlighted Kerr's ability to instill competitiveness in a roster assembled largely through the , featuring a mix of veterans and newcomers adapting to the league's rigors. The team's postseason run, though brief, exceeded expectations for a startup franchise and set a tone of resilience amid the challenges of building from scratch. Kerr emphasized player development during his tenure, particularly nurturing young talent like guard , whom the Bulls selected from the Bullets in the . Under Kerr's guidance in the 1966–67 and 1967–68 seasons, Sloan emerged as a defensive standout and offensive contributor, averaging 14.1 points per game as a and solidifying his role as a foundational piece for the franchise. This focus on emerging players helped foster a culture of hard-nosed play and team identity in the early Bulls, laying groundwork for future success despite the team's overall growing pains.

Phoenix Suns

In April 1968, Johnny Kerr was hired as the first of the expansion by general manager , a former colleague from the organization. Coming off his NBA Coach of the Year award in 1967 with the , Kerr was tasked with building a franchise from scratch in the competitive Western Division. The , entering the league without established stars, relied on draft selections and trades to assemble a young roster, emphasizing fast-paced play and defensive fundamentals to compete against division rivals like the and San Francisco Warriors. The 1968–69 season proved challenging for the Suns under Kerr, as they finished with a 16–66 record, placing seventh in the Western Division and missing the . Key contributors included forward , who emerged as the team's scoring leader and emotional leader with averages of 21.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, providing stability amid the expansion struggles. Guard also showed promise, adding speed to the backcourt and leading the team with 23.8 points per game, though the team's inexperience led to consistent losses against more veteran squads. In the 1969–70 season, Kerr's Suns improved slightly but started slowly at 15–23, hampered by injuries and ongoing roster adjustments in the Western Division. Despite efforts to refine offensive strategies around Van Arsdale's scoring and implement tighter rotations, the team failed to gain traction. On January 2, 1970, Kerr resigned after 38 games, amid philosophical differences with ownership and a desire for organizational shifts; Colangelo assumed interim coaching duties, leading the Suns to the .

Coaching honors

In 1967, Johnny Kerr was named NBA Coach of the Year after guiding the expansion to the in their inaugural 1966–67 season with a 33–48 record, becoming the only recipient of the award to lead a team to a losing season finish. Kerr earned recognition for his innovative approach to expansion franchises, implementing a fast-paced, transition-oriented offense and tenacious defense that maximized an undersized roster and defied low expectations for the Bulls, who surpassed predictions of just 10 wins. He later applied similar adaptive strategies as the first coach of the in 1968–69, though the team struggled to a 16–66 mark amid roster-building challenges. Post-career tributes highlighted Kerr's enduring influence on player development, particularly his mentorship of during the Bulls' early years, which helped transform the guard into a defensive cornerstone and future Hall of Famer. His emphasis on fundamentals and team cohesion in expansion settings was often cited in reflections as a model for nurturing talent in resource-limited environments.

Broadcasting and executive career

Broadcasting roles

After his coaching stint with the , Johnny Kerr began his broadcasting career there, partnering with on radio broadcasts. He joined the ' broadcast team in 1975 as a color analyst, a role he held for 33 years until his retirement following the 2007–08 season. His prior experience as the team's inaugural from 1966 to 1968 lent immediate credibility to his on-air analysis, drawing on intimate knowledge of the franchise's early struggles and growth. Throughout his tenure, Kerr partnered with several prominent play-by-play announcers, most notably Jim Durham, who handed him the microphone during early Bulls games and collaborated with him for decades on both television and radio broadcasts. Later, he teamed with Tom Dore to call all six of the Bulls' NBA championships in the 1990s, capturing the excitement of the era. He also worked alongside in later years, forming a duo known for their lively and insightful commentary. Kerr's broadcasting style was characterized by infectious enthusiasm, engaging storytelling, and a fan-friendly accessibility that made complex plays relatable to casual viewers. His gregarious personality and quick wit—often infused with humor from his playing and coaching days—earned him the nickname and positioned him as the virtual face of Bulls basketball for a generation of fans. One of Kerr's most iconic calls came during the 1989 Eastern Conference first-round playoffs against the , when he exclaimed, "GOOD! THE BULLS WIN! THEY WIN IT!" as hit ""—a buzzer-beating jumper over that advanced to the next round. This moment, broadcast alongside Durham, encapsulated Kerr's passionate delivery and became a hallmark of his career, immortalizing his voice in Bulls lore.

Front office positions

After concluding his coaching stint with the in early 1970, Kerr joined the American Basketball Association's as administrative vice president, serving from 1970 to 1972. In this position, he focused on player personnel decisions and franchise development for the , notably scouting and signing promising talents such as to a four-year, $500,000 contract in 1971—Erving's first professional deal—and shortly thereafter. These acquisitions helped bolster the Squires' roster amid the competitive landscape of the rival league, contributing to the team's strategy of identifying undervalued college and hardship cases. In 1973, Kerr returned to the Chicago Bulls organization, taking on the role of for the next two seasons through 1975. This executive position involved overseeing day-to-day operations, administrative functions, and supporting broader franchise strategy during a transitional period for the team, including efforts to stabilize expansion-era challenges. Kerr's experience as the Bulls' inaugural coach informed his contributions to organizational planning and resource allocation. Kerr's front office tenure concluded with his shift to full-time broadcasting duties with the Bulls starting in 1975, though he continued to offer informal consultative advice on basketball operations to various teams throughout the decade based on his extensive league connections.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Johnny Kerr met his future wife, Betsy Nemecek, in 1950 while both were students at the University of Illinois, where he was playing basketball and she caught his eye during a card game at a local bar. They dated for four years before marrying on September 25, 1954, in a ceremony that marked the beginning of a 46-year partnership rooted in Kerr's Chicago-area upbringing and Betsy's Riverside, Illinois, origins. Throughout their marriage, Betsy supported Kerr's basketball career by attending games, managing their household, and raising their family while pursuing her own interests in art; the couple enjoyed vacations in Scotland, reflecting Kerr's Scottish heritage, and filled their Riverside home with festive decorations during holidays. Betsy Kerr passed away on October 13, 2000, at age 69, after suffering heart failure following a long battle with cardiac issues, including triple-bypass surgery in 1994. The Kerrs had six biological children—sons Edward, Matthew, William, James, and John Jr. (known as , who died young), and daughter Essie J. Harrington—and later adopted three nieces after the tragic deaths of Betsy's sister from a and her husband, Evan Ellis, from cancer, within months of each other. Their family life was marked by profound losses that tested their resilience; their eldest son, John Jr. (known as ), died at age three in 1960 from , an event that Kerr later described as devastating but ultimately strengthening his bond with Betsy and his commitment to their other children. Another heartbreak came in 1975 when their adopted daughter, Laurel Ellis, was murdered—raped, strangled, and stabbed more than 60 times—in her dorm room at Grand Valley State College in ; Lamont Marshall was convicted of the murder in 2008 and sentenced to without parole. Kerr's own early family challenges further shaped his perseverance, as his father, Matthew Kerr, a Scottish immigrant and meatpacker in Chicago's stockyards, died of at age 32 when Johnny was just three years old. This loss, combined with the later tragedies in his immediate family, instilled in Kerr a deep sense of endurance, which he credited for helping him navigate personal grief while maintaining a positive outlook and strong family ties, including ten grandchildren by the time of Betsy's death.

Illness and death

In 2008, Johnny Kerr was diagnosed with , beginning a public battle with the disease that he faced with characteristic resilience. Despite undergoing treatments, Kerr continued his long-standing role as a broadcaster in a reduced capacity during the , making occasional appearances for pregame and halftime commentary before stepping back as his condition worsened. He died from the cancer on February 26, 2009, at his home in at the age of 76. The Bulls organization issued an immediate statement expressing profound sadness, describing Kerr as a legend whose name was synonymous with basketball in and the NBA. NBA figures, including Commissioner , had recently paid tribute to him during a on February 10, 2009, at the , highlighting his enduring contributions just weeks before his passing.

Legacy

Awards and recognitions

Kerr was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 1967 for leading the expansion to a 33–48 record and a playoff appearance in their inaugural season, marking the only time the award has been given to a coach of a losing team. In recognition of his multifaceted contributions to as a player, coach, and broadcaster, Kerr received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, the organization's highest honor for an individual's overall impact on the sport. Kerr was inducted into the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. The Chicago Bulls inducted Kerr into their inaugural Ring of Honor class on January 12, 2024, honoring his foundational role as the franchise's first and longtime broadcaster. Prior to his death, Kerr was celebrated with a special tribute ceremony on February 10, 2009, at the during a Bulls home game, where he received the Bunn Award presentation and a bronze statue that now stands as a permanent fixture at the arena.

Impact on basketball

Johnny Kerr played a pivotal role in the establishment of the franchise as its inaugural head coach in 1966, guiding the to a 33-48 record and a playoff appearance in its first season—the only time an NBA expansion team has achieved this feat. As a Chicago native, Kerr's leadership helped lay the foundation for professional in the city, fostering early fan interest and team identity during a period when the sport was gaining traction in the Midwest. In his broadcasting career, Kerr served as the Bulls' for over 30 years, from 1975 until the 2007-08 season, providing insightful analysis during the era and beyond. His enthusiastic, humorous style and deep knowledge of the game made broadcasts more accessible and entertaining, drawing in casual fans and solidifying the Bulls' presence in media. This approach contributed to elevated standards in NBA telecasts by blending expertise with relatability, enhancing viewer engagement across generations. Kerr's mentorship extended through his coaching tenure, where he guided the Bulls' first roster, including close collaboration with assistant coach Al Bianchi and front-office executive , shaping early team strategies and player development. His influence persisted across eras via , offering on-air guidance and historical context that informed players and coaches navigating the evolving NBA landscape. Kerr's cultural legacy endures through a bronze statue unveiled outside the in 2009, commemorating his 35 years of service to the Bulls organization and symbolizing his foundational contributions to Chicago . As a beloved icon, he was inducted into the Chicago Bulls in 2024, recognizing his multifaceted role in popularizing and sustaining the sport's prominence in the city.

Career statistics

College statistics

Kerr played three varsity seasons for the University of Illinois from 1951 to 1954, appearing in 70 games and accumulating 1,299 points for a career scoring average of 18.6 points per game. His shooting efficiency improved over time, with a career field goal percentage of .395 and free throw percentage of .624. The table below details his per-season per-game averages and career totals for key statistics.
SeasonGames (G) (PPG)Field goals made per game (FG)Field goal attempts per game (FGA)FG%Free throws made per game (FT)Free throw attempts per game (FTA)FT%
1951–522613.75.514.0.3922.74.8.573
1952–532217.57.018.0.3853.65.6.650
1953–542225.39.523.6.4046.29.7.638
Career7018.67.218.3.3954.16.6.624
Season totals:
  • 1951–52: 357 points (143 FG, 71 FT)
  • 1952–53: 386 points (153 FG, 80 FT)
  • 1953–54: 556 points (210 FG, 136 FT)
  • Career: 1,299 points (506 FG, 287 FT)

NBA playing statistics

Kerr played 12 seasons in the NBA from 1954 to 1966, appearing in 905 regular-season games while averaging 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game across his career with the Syracuse Nationals (later Philadelphia 76ers) and Baltimore Bullets. His durability was exemplified by a streak of 844 consecutive regular-season games played, an NBA record that stood until 1983. The following table summarizes Kerr's regular-season per-game statistics by year:
SeasonTeamGMPFGFGAFG%FTFTAFT%TRBASTPFPTS
1954-55Syracuse Nationals7221.24.210.0.4192.13.1.6826.61.12.310.5
1955-56Syracuse Nationals7229.45.213.0.4032.94.4.6558.41.22.313.3
1956-57Syracuse Nationals7230.44.611.5.4033.14.3.71911.21.32.612.4
1957-58Syracuse Nationals7233.15.714.2.3993.95.9.66413.41.22.715.2
1958-59Syracuse Nationals7237.17.015.8.4413.95.1.76614.02.02.517.8
1959-60Syracuse Nationals7531.65.814.8.3923.14.1.75212.22.22.814.7
1960-61Syracuse Nationals7933.95.313.4.3972.83.8.72912.02.52.913.4
1961-62Syracuse Nationals8034.66.815.3.4432.83.8.73514.73.03.416.3
1962-63Syracuse Nationals8032.06.313.4.4743.04.0.75313.02.72.615.7
1963-648036.76.715.6.4293.44.5.75112.73.42.316.8
1964-658022.63.38.9.3701.62.3.6966.92.51.78.2
1965-66Baltimore Bullets7124.94.09.7.4132.93.8.7688.33.22.111.0
Career90533.95.513.0.4233.04.1.73111.22.22.613.8
Note: Advanced stats like ORB/DRB were not tracked during Kerr's era. In the , Kerr appeared in 76 games over 12 postseasons, averaging 12.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His postseason contributions were particularly strong in earlier years with Syracuse, where he helped the team reach the in 1955 and multiple division finals. The year-by-year playoff per-game stats are as follows:
PlayoffsTeamGFGFGAFG%FTFTAFT%TRBASTPTS
1955Syracuse Nationals115.413.7.3913.15.5.55710.71.213.8
1956Syracuse Nationals84.111.4.3632.53.4.7418.51.110.8
1957Syracuse Nationals55.613.4.4183.03.8.78913.81.014.2
1958Syracuse Nationals35.712.7.4474.76.3.73920.31.016.0
1959Syracuse Nationals95.312.4.4263.03.7.81012.02.313.6
1960Syracuse Nationals35.712.0.4741.72.0.8338.33.013.0
1961Syracuse Nationals83.610.1.3592.12.9.73312.42.59.4
1962Syracuse Nationals56.614.0.4713.64.6.78316.02.016.8
1963Syracuse Nationals55.412.8.4212.02.6.76915.01.812.8
1964Philadelphia 76ers57.614.8.5132.63.0.86713.83.217.8
1965Philadelphia 76ers112.26.5.3451.21.8.6673.52.55.7
1966Baltimore Bullets30.73.7.1820.30.7.5005.71.31.7
Career764.711.4.4152.63.6.72710.92.012.0
Kerr was selected to three NBA All-Star Games (1956, 1959, 1963), where he averaged 4.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game over 48 total minutes played. In the 1956 All-Star Game, he recorded 4 points and 8 rebounds; in 1959, 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists; and in 1963, 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Coaching record

Johnny Kerr served as head coach for the Chicago Bulls from 1966 to 1968 and the Phoenix Suns from 1968 to 1970, compiling an overall regular-season record of 93 wins and 190 losses in 283 games, for a winning percentage of .329. During his tenure with the Bulls, an expansion franchise, Kerr led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, including a 33–48 record in the 1966–67 season that earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award—the only time the honor has gone to a coach with a losing record. With the Suns, another expansion team, Kerr struggled amid roster challenges, posting a 31–89 mark before being relieved midseason in 1969–70. His playoff record stood at 1–7 across two series losses to the .
SeasonTeamRegular SeasonFinishPlayoffs
GW-LW/L%GW-LW/L%
1966–67CHI8133–48.4074th30–3.000
1967–68CHI8229–53.3544th51–4.200
1968–698216–66.1957th———
1969–703815–23.395fired———
Total28393–190.32981–7.125

References

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