Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has drawn a comparison between the late-career performance of his star player Steph Curry and NBA icon Michael Jordan. Kerr, who played alongside Jordan on the dominant 1990s Chicago Bulls teams and now coaches the Warriors dynasty, stated that watching Curry at age 38 evokes memories of Jordan.
"Honestly, it really does remind me of what it was like to play with Michael Jordan back in the day," Kerr said on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-off.” "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."
Curry, like Jordan, faces intense defensive pressure nightly. Kerr noted the similarities in how defenses attempt to stifle them, yet their passion and ability to perform remain.
"You get to experience the thrill of seeing them do their thing night in and night out, and it never gets old," Kerr added.
Last season, Curry played in 43 games due to patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, he has returned this season, averaging 30 points per game through six appearances and shooting 42.9% from three-point range and 46.8% from the field. His recent performances include a 44-point outing against the Timberwolves on October 28.
Kerr, a nine-time NBA champion (five as a player, four as a coach), has witnessed firsthand the characteristics of all-time great players. Jordan secured six NBA championships during his playing career.