The N.B.A. Legend Steve Kerr

In this episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick introduces a conversation between staff writer Charles Bethea and NBA legend Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors. The discussion traces Kerr's extraordinary journey from his childhood in Beirut and Cairo, shaped by his father's assassination in 1984, to his rise as a record-setting three-point shooter with the Chicago Bulls and later a transformative coach who led the Warriors to four championships and a historic 73-win season. Kerr reflects on his formative years playing basketball on dirt courts in Cairo, the emotional impact of losing his father, and his deep connection to the game as both player and mentor. He shares insights on Michael Jordan and LeBron James, emphasizing their distinct styles and legacies, and discusses the evolution of the NBA’s physicality and analytics-driven play. Kerr also speaks candidly about his political engagement, including his criticism of Donald Trump and his advocacy on gun reform, while affirming his commitment to basketball over politics. As his contract nears its end, Kerr contemplates the future of his coaching career with the Warriors, balancing loyalty to stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green with the organization’s need for renewal. Throughout, Kerr expresses enduring passion for the game, the joy of teamwork, and the importance of finding meaning in daily work.