Steve Kerr Makes Heartfelt Statement About Kobe For Kobe Bryant Day

BYBen Mock1389 Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
2023 FIBA World Cup - USA Men's National Team v Puerto Rico
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Managing director Grant Hill (L) and head coach Steve Kerr of the United States stand as the United States national anthem is performed before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Kerr made his comments on Kobe Bryant Day.

Team USA and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made a heartfelt statement about the late Kobe Bryant. “I have great memories of playing against him and then coaching against him late in his career. To have the good fortune to be in the NBA at the same time as one of the all-time greats, watch him, and compete against him was really special. We all think about Kobe to this day and everything he meant to the league and all of us," Kerr said ahead of Team USA's FIBA World Cup match against New Zealand.

Kerr is in a unique position, having both played and coached against Kobe. Kerr did not retire until 2003, meaning that he played against Bryant during the first seven years of Kobe's career. The pair faced off in 24 games, spread across Kerr's stints in Chicago, San Antonio, and Portland. They split those games evenly, each winning 12. This included eliminating each other on the way to a title. Kobe eliminated Kerr's Spurs in the 2001 Western Conference Finals. Meanwhile, Kerr and the Spurs eliminated Kobe in the 2003 Western Conference Semifinals.

Read More: Pau Gasol shares heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant during Hall of Fame speech

Kobe Bryant's Legacy Lives In

The complex legacy of Kobe Bryant lives in as the city of Los Angeles marks Kobe Bryant Day. Celebrated on August 24, chosen due to Kobe's famous jersey number and its proximity to his birthday. Speaking of Kobe's birthday, his wife Vanessa also shared a heartfelt message to her late husband on August 23. "Happy birthday, baby. I love you always & forever," she wrote on Instagram.

As Team USA prepares for a pivotal World Cup, Bryant's legacy on the international stage will loom large. Kobe won two Olympic golds (2008, 2012) and a FIBA Americas Championship (2007). However, Kobe never played in a FIBA World Cup. He was famously not included in the 2010 roster that won gold. In fact, none of the 2008 Olympic team was selected. Meanwhile, Kobe retired from international play in 2012. Team USA would go on to win a second gold in 2014. The team in 2023 looks to bounce back from a 7th-place finish in 2019.

Read More: Drake shouts Kobe after #24 jersey thrown on stage in LA

[via]

About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
recommended content
Los Angeles Kobe Bryant (C) gets a shotSportsNBA 2K24 Adds Kobe Bryant Mode, "MAMBA MOMENTS"1234
Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix SunsSportsLakers To Add Kobe Bryant Statue Outside Crypto.Com Arena In February511
NBA All-Star Game 2016SportsPau Gasol Shares Heartfelt Tribute For Kobe Bryant During Hall Of Fame Enshrinement2.3K
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant reacts dSportsLakers To Wear "Black Mamba" Uniforms For Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiling1221