Steve Kerr reveals the one way coaching Curry feels like playing Jordan

Before Steve Kerr became the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, he was known as one of the sharpshooters behind Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls championship success.

Kerr often draws upon his time with Jordan to make comparisons to modern-day players.

Recently, following the team's victory and recent-season success, he compared Stephen Curry to his six-time NBA champion teammate following Curry's early season success.

“Honestly, it really does remind me of what it was like to play with Michael Jordan back in the day,” Kerr said in a quote obtained by the Sacramento Bee.

“Every single night you just are amazed, and you marvel at what he's capable of doing no matter what the defense does, but also just the longevity of it.”

“To see night after night, defenses doing everything possible to slow Steph down like they did with Michael, and yet the love for the game, the competitiveness, the passion, the desire to put on a show for the fans — there are such great comparisons to be made there.”

Curry has gotten off to a phenomenal start to the season that has him amongst the best players in the NBA.

Through six games, he's averaging 30 points per game, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 42.9% from three and 46.8% from the field in 28 minutes of play.

He's also had several standout games.

One was a 44-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he also knocked down six 3-pointers.

He followed that up in the NBA Cup opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 31 points and netting six assists, four rebounds, one block, and one steal while knocking down eight 3-pointers.

Kerr’s comparison is striking because of the weight it carries.

Kerr played alongside Jordan for three seasons from 1995 to 1998, winning three consecutive NBA championships with the Bulls.

He saw Jordan’s legendary work ethic, his killer instinct, and his ability to rise to any occasion night after night.

Now, as a coach, Kerr sees those same qualities in Curry.

Curry, at 39 years old, is defying typical expectations for a player his age.

Most NBA players see a significant decline in their late 30s, but Curry continues to perform at an elite level.

His scoring average of 30 points per game through the first six games puts him among the league leaders.

His shooting percentages — 46.8% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range — are exceptional.

And he's doing it in just 28 minutes per game, a relatively low workload that suggests he could produce even more if needed.

The Warriors have won five straight games, riding Curry's hot start.

Kerr’s comments came during this winning streak, adding context to his admiration.

The comparison to Jordan is not made lightly.

Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time.

He won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring titles.

Kerr’s firsthand experience with Jordan gives his words unique credibility.

When Kerr says coaching Curry reminds him of playing with Jordan, it carries the weight of someone who has seen greatness from both sides.

Curry’s longevity is a key part of the comparison.

Jordan played at an elite level into his mid-30s, winning his last championship at age 35.

Curry, now 39, is still competing at a level that rivals his prime years.

He led the Warriors to their fourth championship in 2022, winning Finals MVP.

In the 2025-26 season, Curry averaged 26.4 points per game and shot 40.4% from three.

This season, his numbers are even better.

The Warriors are counting on Curry to lead them back to championship contention.

Kerr’s comments reflect the confidence the team has in their star player.

The comparison also highlights the defensive attention Curry commands.

Just as Jordan faced constant double-teams and physical defense, Curry sees similar treatment.

Defenses scheme specifically to stop him, often sending two or three defenders at him on pick-and-rolls.

Despite this, Curry continues to produce at an elite level.

Kerr’s full quote captures the essence of what makes Curry special.

“Every single night you just are amazed, and you marvel at what he's capable of doing no matter what the defense does,” Kerr said.

“But also just the longevity of it.”

The Warriors are currently one of the hottest teams in the NBA.