Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Reveals the Modern NBA Star Who Reminds Him Most of Michael Jordan; It Isn't LeBron James
Michael Jordan
,' most fans point to
. Both are iconic athletes with multiple championships - six for Jordan, four for LeBron - and global recognition. But
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr
, who played alongside Jordan and coached against LeBron, has a different view. For him,
Stephen Curry
is the player who most closely mirrors Jordan's aura.
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Inside Steve Kerr's Michael Jordan-Curry Mindset Connection
On the 'Glue Guys' podcast, Steve Kerr surprised many by naming Curry - not LeBron - as
's closest counterpart. His reasoning wasn't based purely on stats or trophies. Instead, Kerr focused on the rare mindset they share.
'Michael had a similar mindset, but Michael's mindset appeared to be more of a desire to kill an opponent, to just stick the knife in and twist it. Steph is more about the joy of the act of shooting the ball.
That's what makes it so beautiful to watch Steph,' Kerr said.
Different Styles, Same Competitive Fire
Steve Kerr shares the lessons that earned him 9 NBA championships
Kerr stressed that his comparison isn't about dominance through intimidation versus skill. Both Jordan and
inspire and elevate their teams, but in different ways:
• Jordan: Relentless, cutthroat competitor who thrived on breaking opponents' will.
• Curry: Energizes the game with joy, creativity, and unshakable self-belief.
Killer vs. Creator: The Key Difference
According to Kerr:
• Jordan: Asserted himself as the clear dominant force in any arena.
• Curry: Blends grace and flow with fierce competitiveness, using rhythm and confidence to take over games.
Why Steve Kerr Doesn't Put LeBron in Jordan's Category
has great respect for LeBron, calling him and Jordan 'the two best players I've ever witnessed.' But he believes LeBron's style aligns more with Scottie Pippen - a versatile, all-around forward - rather than Jordan's alpha-killer mentality.
Curry's Lasting Impact on the Game
Beyond championships, Curry has reshaped basketball. His influence on the three-point revolution and his unique approach to competition put him in rare company.
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For Kerr, Curry's combination of skill, mindset, and joy for the game makes him Michael Jordan's true modern-day parallel.
Also read:
My Opinion on Kerr's Unique Perspective Carries Weight
Kerr's take is more than just opinion - it's shaped by firsthand experience in both the Jordan and Curry eras. For him, the closest thing to Michael Jordan isn't the most obvious pick in LeBron James, but the game-changing, joy-driven Stephen Curry.
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