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Johnny Kerr

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Red Kerr
Born
John Graham Kerr

(1932-07-17) July 17, 1932 (age 94)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedFebruary 26, 2009(2009-02-26) (aged 76)
Other namesRed Kerr
Occupation(s)Basketball player, coach, executive, broadcaster
Years active1954–1970 (player and coach), broadcaster afterwards
Known forNBA player (Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers), NBA All-Star, NBA Champion (1955), NBA Coach of the Year, Bulls and Suns inaugural head coach, Bulls TV analyst

John Graham Kerr (July 17, 1932 – February 26, 2009), widely recognized as Red Kerr, was an influential figure in American basketball, contributing as a player, coach, executive, and broadcaster over a span of six decades. In recognition of his significant contributions to the game, he was honored in 2009 with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighing 230 pounds, Kerr excelled as a center at the University of Illinois from 1951 to 1954 before embarking on a professional career marked by three NBA All-Star selections and a championship victory between 1954 and 1966, primarily with the Syracuse Nationals.

Kerr earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s earliest iron men, appearing in 917 consecutive contests from 1954 through 1965—844 of which were regular-season games—a streak that remained unbroken for 17 years. Throughout his twelve seasons and 905 games, mostly with the Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers, he maintained averages of 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His reliability was underscored by seven consecutive seasons (1956–64) where he consistently scored and rebounded in double digits, solidifying his status among the league’s premier big men.

Following his playing days, Kerr shifted to coaching and executive positions, notably taking the helm of both the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns during their inaugural campaigns. His leadership in the Bulls’ first season (1966–67) culminated in an uncommon playoff appearance for a newly established franchise within major professional sports.

A native of Chicago, Kerr later became a familiar voice as a Bulls television analyst for over three decades, gaining prominence during the team’s dominant era in the 1990s.

Early life

Born on July 17, 1932, in Chicago, Kerr was raised on the city’s South Side near 67th Street and Racine Avenue. His father, originally from Scotland and a distinguished soccer player, worked in Chicago’s meatpacking industry but passed away from pneumonia when Kerr was only three years old. During his youth at Tilden Technical High School, Kerr demonstrated aptitude in foundry-related studies including shop work, woodworking, auto mechanics, and foundry practices. Although initially devoted to soccer, a notable growth spurt during his senior year—growing from six feet to six feet nine inches—and encouragement from basketball coach Bill Postl along with principal Robert Lakemacher redirected his athletic focus toward basketball. In his lone high school season on the team, Kerr led the Blue Devils to capture the Chicago Public League title in 1950. This achievement attracted scholarship offers for collegiate basketball.

College career

Upon graduating high school in January 1950, Kerr initially intended to enroll at Bradley University but ultimately chose the University of Illinois after meeting Illini freshman Irv Bemoras. Known for his wit and humor, Kerr made his collegiate debut as a sophomore starting center-forward during the 1951–52 season. Despite losing several key players from the previous year’s lineup, he played an integral role in guiding Illinois to win the Big Ten Conference championship with a conference record of 12–2 and an overall mark of 22–4. The team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Final Four but fell narrowly to St. John's before securing third place; Kerr contributed an impressive 26 points in that consolation game and earned a spot on the NCAA All-Tournament team. He averaged 13.7 points across 26 games while Illinois finished ranked second nationally.

In the following season (1952–53), Kerr led Illinois with an average of 17.5 points over 22 games as they placed second in the Big Ten with a 14–4 record and achieved an eleventh-place national ranking. By his senior year (1953–54), fully established as a starting pivot at six feet nine inches tall, he set a new single-season scoring record for Illinois with 556 points (an average of 25.3 per game), topping the Big Ten scoring charts despite the team finishing third with a conference mark of 10–4. Over his three varsity campaigns, Kerr accumulated a total of 1,299 points at an average of 18.6 per game. His outstanding performance earned him first-team Big Ten All-Star recognition as well as being named Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 1954. In recognition of his collegiate achievements, he was later inducted into the University of Illinois All-Century Team in 2004.

Syracuse Nationals-Philadelphia 76ers (1954–1965)

Selected sixth overall in the 1954 NBA draft by the Syracuse Nationals, Kerr joined the team as a 22-year-old rookie. Initially, he played a supporting role on a roster filled with veterans but gradually gained the confidence of coach Al Cervi, finishing the season with averages of 10.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.[1]

During the postseason, Kerr established himself as a key starter alongside teammates such as Dolph Schayes, Red Rocha, Paul Seymour, and George King. He made an impressive playoff debut by scoring 27 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a victory against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division finals. The Nationals swept the Celtics in four games, with Kerr contributing averages of 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds.[2] The team then triumphed over the Fort Wayne Pistons in a seven-game NBA Finals series, capturing Syracuse’s sole championship. In that series, Kerr posted averages of 12.3 points and 11.3 rebounds, trailing only Schayes.[3]

Although Hall of Famer Schayes was the franchise’s leading star and a twelve-time All-Star, Kerr earned recognition as a three-time All-Star (1956, 1959, 1963) for his adaptability as a big man who possessed refined ball-handling and passing capabilities.[4] He was particularly effective executing backdoor cuts in collaboration with guards like Al Bianchi, Larry Costello, and Hal Greer. Schayes considered Kerr not only his closest friend but also one of the rare players capable of matching up effectively against legends such as Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.[5]

From the 1956-57 season through 1963-64, Kerr consistently delivered double-double performances. His most productive scoring year came in 1958-59 when he averaged 17.8 points alongside 14 rebounds per contest; during the 1961-62 campaign, he reached a personal best with 14.7 rebounds and maintained strong scoring at 16.8 points per game. In the Nationals’ final year in Syracuse (1962-63), Kerr placed sixth in MVP voting while averaging 15.7 points and 13 rebounds.[6] Throughout his career, he ranked among the top ten rebounders eight times and secured top-five rebounding status on three occasions.[7] Across 76 playoff contests, Kerr maintained averages of 12.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, consistently producing double-doubles.[4]

Baltimore Bullets (1965–1966)

On September 22, 1965, Kerr was exchanged to the Baltimore Bullets in return for guard Wally (later Wali) Jones.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

The following season featured significant roster enhancements including future Hall of Famers Connie Hawkins, forward Paul Silas, and second overall draft pick Neal Walk, alongside Hall of Fame guard Gail Goodrich and 1970 All-Star guard Dick Van Arsdale.[8][9][10][11] Although early progress yielded a 15–23 record, a late-season decline prompted Kerr’s resignation.[8][12]

Colangelo assumed interim coaching duties following Kerr’s departure, marking his coaching debut. He described this transition as both a career highlight and an emotionally challenging experience replacing his close friend.[13][8] Kerr stayed within the organization serving as a scout[13] and radio color analyst alongside Hot Rod Hundley.[14][12] Under Colangelo’s leadership, the Suns improved to a winning record of 24–20, with Hawkins earning first-team All-NBA recognition.[10]

Broadcasting and Front Office Career

Between 1970 and 1972, Kerr held the position of administrative vice president for the Virginia Squires in the ABA, working alongside former teammate and Bulls assistant coach Al Bianchi, who was then serving as the Squires' head coach and general manager. In 1972, Kerr advanced to general manager, where he notably signed rookie Julius Erving, a pivotal figure in the ABA-NBA merger, and identified future Hall of Famer George Gervin while he was playing street basketball.

Kerr returned to the Chicago Bulls organization from 1973 to 1975 as business manager under coach and general manager Dick Motta. In 1975, prompted by announcer Jim Durham, Kerr shifted his career toward broadcasting. He continued as the Bulls’ color commentator through the conclusion of the 2007–08 season.

During his broadcasting tenure, Kerr narrated all six Bulls championships throughout the 1990s, as well as Michael Jordan’s entire career with the team. His most memorable moment is his spirited call of "The Shot," Jordan's decisive basket during the 1989 Eastern Conference playoffs: "The Bulls win it! We win it! ... Whooo!"

Kerr and Jordan shared a unique pre-game tradition where Jordan would theatrically clap talcum powder near Kerr courtside; Jordan later explained this ritual started because he wanted to mess up Kerr’s “nice suit.”

In the 2008–09 season, Kerr made occasional halftime appearances but limited his public presence due to battling prostate cancer. The Bulls honored him on February 10, 2009, with a halftime ceremony unveiling a sculpture at the United Center. Michael Jordan described Kerr as "the one constant thing about the Chicago Bulls," and President Barack Obama also paid tribute.

At this ceremony, Kerr was awarded the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jerry Colangelo. Additionally, Mayor Richard M. Daley declared February 10 as Johnny Red Kerr Appreciation Day in Chicago.

Personal Life

Kerr’s family had a strong tradition of public service; following his father’s passing, his mother supported their extended family during the hardships of the Great Depression. During high school, Kerr contributed to the School Children's Aid society by helping provide clothing for underprivileged children. He and his wife Betsy raised five children together and also adopted her sister’s three children after her sister died.

Kerr endured significant personal losses, including the untimely death of his eldest son, John Jr., from meningitis, and the tragic murder of one of his adopted nieces while she was in college. Outside basketball, he worked professionally as an insurance investment consultant and led Kerr Financial Services.

Death

Kerr passed away from prostate cancer at age 76 on February 26, 2009, shortly after former Bulls guard and broadcaster Norm Van Lier died. He was married to Betsy (Nemecek) Kerr from 1954 until her death in 2000; their marriage remained a central pillar throughout his life.

Legacy and Honors

Renowned for his integrity and contributions across playing, coaching, and broadcasting roles, Kerr earned widespread respect. In 2009, he was honored with the Naismith Hall of Fame's John Bunn Award for his profound influence on basketball. Hall of Fame president John L. Doleva characterized Kerr as embodying the ideals celebrated by this award.

Significant accolades include:

  • 1952 – Second Team All-Big Ten
  • 1952 – NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team
  • 1952 & 1953 – Honorable Mention All-American
  • 1953 – First Team All-Big Ten
  • 1954 – Second Team All-American
  • 1954 – Illini Most Valuable Player
  • 1954 – Big Ten Player of the Year
  • 1954 – Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball Award
  • 1967 – NBA Coach of the Year Award
  • 1973 – Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (player)
  • 2004 – Illini Men's Basketball All-Century Team
  • 2007 – One of the 100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament
  • 2008 – Honored jersey by Illini men's basketball
  • 2009 – John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2018 – Induction into Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame

College

width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Season width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Games Played width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Total Points width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Points Per Game width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Field Goals Made width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Field Goal Attempts width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Field Goal % width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Free Throws Made width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Free Throw Attempts width=40px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Free Throw % width=100px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Big Ten Record width=100px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Overall Record width=450px style="Template:NCAA color cell; text-align:center" |Notable Achievement
1951–52 26 357 13.7 143 365 .392 71 124 .573 Template:Sort Template:Sort Honorable Mention All-American
1952–53 22 386 17.5 153 397 .385 80 123 .650 Template:Sort Template:Sort Honorable Mention All-American
1953–54 22 556 25.3 210 520 .404 136 213 .638 Template:Sort Template:Sort Big Ten Player of the Year
Career Totals 70 1229 18.6 506 1282 ' .395 ' 287 ' 460 ' .624 ' Template:Sort ' Template:Sort

Regular season

Season Team Games Played Minutes Per Game Field Goal Percentage Free Throw Percentage Rebounds Per Game Assists Per Game Points Per Game
Template:Nbay† style="text-align:left;" | 1954–55 Syracuse Nationals season 72 21.2 .419 .682 6.6 1.1 10.5
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1955–56 Syracuse Nationals season 72 29.4 .403 .655 8.4 1.2 13.3
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1956–57 Syracuse Nationals season 72 30.4 .403 .719 11.2 1.3 12.4
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1957–58 Syracuse Nationals season 72 33.1 .399 .664 13.4 1.2 15.2
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1958–59 Syracuse Nationals season 72 37.1 .441 .766 14.0 2.0 17.8
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1959–60 Syracuse Nationals season 75 31.6 .392 .752 12.2 2.2 14.7
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1960–61 Syracuse Nationals season 79 33.9 .397 .729 12.0 2.5 13.4
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1961–62 Syracuse Nationals season 80 34.6 .443 .735 14.7 3.0 16.3
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1962–63 Syracuse Nationals season 80 32.0 .474 .753 13.0 2.7 15.7
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1963–64 Philadelphia 76ers season 80 36.7 .429 .751 12.7 3.4 16.8
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1964–65 Philadelphia 76ers season 80 22.6 .370 .696 6.9 2.5 8.2
style="text-align:left;" |Template:Nbay 1965–66 Baltimore Bullets season 71 24.9 .413 .768 8.3 3.2 11.0
Career Totals !905 !30.7 !.418 !.723 !11.2 !2.2 !13.8


Playoffs

Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1954–55† Syracuse 11 33.0 .391 .557 10.7 1.2 13.8
Template:Nbay Syracuse 8 26.6 .481 .455 8.5 1.3 11.1
Template:Nbay Syracuse 5 32.4 .431 .690 13.8 1.2 15.2
Template:Nbay Syracuse 3 38.7 .327 .778 20.3 1.0 16.7
Template:Nbay Syracuse 9 34.7 .352 .909 12.0 2.7 14.4
Template:Nbay Syracuse 3 34.7 .294 .917 8.3 3.0 13.7
Template:Nbay Syracuse 8 26.3 .341 .696 12.4 2.5 9.5
Template:Nbay Syracuse 5 38.6 .376 .750 16.0 2.0 17.6
Template:Nbay Syracuse 5 37.4 .433 .762 15.0 1.8 13.6
Template:Nbay Philadelphia 5 37.0 .482 .750 13.8 3.2 19.0
Template:Nbay Philadelphia 11 16.5 .358 .714 3.5 2.5 5.7
Career Totals 76 !29.9 !.386 !.687 !10.9 !2.0 !12.3

All-Star Games

Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
Template:Nbay Syracuse 1 16.0 .500 .000 8.0 0.0 4.0
Template:Nbay Syracuse 1 21.0 .214 .500 9.0 2.0 7.0
Template:Nbay Syracuse 1 11.0 .000 1.000 2.0 1.0 2.0

Head coaching record

Season Team G W L Win % Division Place Playoff G Playoff W Playoff L Playoff Win % Notes
1966–67 Chicago Bulls season Chicago 81 33 48 .407 "4th in Western" "3" "0" "3" "0.000" "Lost in 1967 NBA playoffs#Bracket Division semifinals"
1967–68 Chicago Bulls season Chicago "82" "29" "53" "—" "4th in Western" "5" "1" "4" "0.200" "Lost in 1968 NBA playoffs#Bracket Division semifinals"
1968–69 Phoenix Suns season Phoenix 82 16 66 ".195" 7th in Western
Total 283 93 190 8 1 7 ".125"


See also

External links

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