The Chicago Bulls longtime team broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerrwill be honored for his career achievements and 35 years of service tothe Bulls organization during a halftime ceremony at the Bulls’ gameagainst the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, February 10 at the UnitedCenter.
“Johnny Kerr is a Chicago Bulls icon,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.“It is only fitting that we salute Johnny and thank him for the manycontributions he has made to the Chicago Bulls organization over thesepast decades. We are pleased to have the opportunity along with 20,000of our fans to tell Johnny how much we love and appreciate him.”
Kerr, a native of Chicago, has been a part of the Bulls organization invarious capacities for 35 of the franchise’s 43 seasons, most notablyas a team broadcaster for more than 30 years. He also served as theteam’s first head coach in 1966 and earned NBA Coach of the Year honorsfor the 1966-67 season, when he directed the first-year Bulls to aplayoff appearance. Kerr is the only head coach in NBA history to leadan expansion team to the playoffs during its inaugural season.Additionally, he was the franchise’s business manager for two seasons.
As part of the halftime salute, Bulls television play-by-play announcerNeil Funk will emcee the ceremony which will include a video tribute,speeches and appearances from notables such as Jerry Reinsdorf, JerryColangelo, Dolph Schayes, Al Bianchi, Jim Durham, Ron Guenther as wellas David Stern who will appear via a taped message. The Bulls’ JohnPaxson and Bob Love will also be in attendance. Others expected toattend include former Bulls’ Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
In tribute to Kerr, the team will wear their red road uniforms andcelebrate his life during a number of timeouts. Additionally, whilesupplies last, fans entering the arena that evening will receive Johnny“Red” Kerr posters which feature a collection of photos and memorabiliafrom Kerr’s career with the Bulls courtesy of corporate partner HarrisBank.
“I very much appreciate the Bulls hosting a night in my honor,” Kerrsaid. “Other than my wife and my family, the Chicago Bulls have beenthe great love of my life. I’m looking forward to having theopportunity to thank everyone.”
Kerr starred as a prep at Tilden Tech, collegiately at the Universityof Illinois and played 12 seasons in the NBA for Syracuse, Philadelphiaand Baltimore. The three-time NBA All-Star played in 905 games andaveraged 13.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg and 2.2 apg in 30.7 mpg during anillustrious career that included an NBA Championship with the SyracuseNationals during his rookie season. Most remarkable, however, is thefact that Kerr played in 844 consecutive games from 1954 to 1965,setting an NBA record that would stand until Randy Smith broke it in1983. He is also one of the select NBA players who totaled more than10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds during his career.
Other career achievements include coaching the Phoenix Suns and alsoholding several administrative positions in both the NBA and ABA.Kerr’s book “Bull Session” was released in 1989 and he holds the titleof President of Kerr Financial Services.
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