GM Steve Kerr

[Fez Hammersticks]

Rumored to be our target as GM -- A look back at his tenure in Phoenix:

LINK​

Nothing really stands out. A lot of 'meh' type of moves. Though, he did earn points with me when he (via radio interview a few years back) explained why their management team was against signing Amar'e to a long-term, max deal: His MF repaired knees have an exp. date and didn't want to take that risk.

 

[PapaG]

His MF repaired knees have an exp. date and didn't want to take that risk.

Zach Randolph is in the same situation. Hollins is even bringing him off of the bench to save his knees this year.

 

[Natebishop3]

I really like Steve, but what moves did he do in Phoenix that were so great? Bringing in Shaq? Trading for Jason Richardson? The team went from being a decent playoff squad to a very mediocre bunch with only Steve Nash during his time there. I don't think he's a good choice.

 

[Rhal]

I really like Steve, but what moves did he do in Phoenix that were so great? Bringing in Shaq? Trading for Jason Richardson? The team went from being a decent playoff squad to a very mediocre bunch with only Steve Nash during his time there. I don't think he's a good choice.

When you look at PHX decline its easy to blame Kerr, but Kerr worked under an owner who refuses to pay luxury tax and refuses to take on big salary. He was also gone as GM when PHX made all those insane moves of extending Frye, signing Warrik for way to much money and same with Childress.
I'v listened to a lot of Kerr interviews and he comes on the BS report every 2 to 3 months and always seems to have great insight to whats going on and doesn't seem like a guy who would go into panic mode if something like this season happens again.
I'm fine with Kerr, its not an amazing GM hire but I certainly like it more then when we hired Cho and would rather have him then an old washed up GM who doesn't have the enthusiasm or energy to be a part of every decision and constantly have there hands trying to figure out the value of there assets and better improve the roster.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Looking at that assessment of Kerr: I like the draft picks of Dudley and Dragic, at least. And the whole Shaq deal wasn't that bad because they got him for Shawn Marion, which isn't that big a deal.

And hey, at least it would be interesting: he's certainly ready (a) to experiment and (b) to change his mind when it's clear he made a mistake.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Wasn't Quick just speculating about Steve Kerr? He also mentioned Danny Ainge last night on the radio. Until the Blazers let the GM be the GM, we won't be getting any quality GM candidates anyway

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I really like Steve, but what moves did he do in Phoenix that were so great? Bringing in Shaq? Trading for Jason Richardson? The team went from being a decent playoff squad to a very mediocre bunch with only Steve Nash during his time there. I don't think he's a good choice.

I agree. He took risks, but they were all bad ones. I'm not opposed to risks, but he's just not good at it.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Wasn't Quick just speculating about Steve Kerr? He also mentioned Danny Ainge last night on the radio. Until the Blazers let the GM be the GM, we won't be getting any quality GM candidates anyway

This.

 

[julius]

Zach Randolph is in the same situation. Hollins is even bringing him off of the bench to save his knees this year.

I think that's more likely due to him returning from the non MF related knee injury he had, and Hollins not wanting to rush him back into the lineup. You know, getting in game shape.

 

[Mediocre Man]

What about Orlando assistant GM Dave Twardzik? I have no idea about his beliefs on team building or anything else, but he is the type of guy they seem to be looking at? Maybe he convinces Lionel Hollins to take a look at the Portland job? He has done a great job in Memphis.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I agree. He took risks, but they were all bad ones. I'm not opposed to risks, but he's just not good at it.

I think you're overlooking something. When Kerr got the job the Suns were kind of bumping their heads against the ceiling in terms of how far that roster could go (due to age, contracts, etc.) he tried to see if he could tinker a little bit and add some more defensive presence to the roster by adding Shaq and by hiring Porter but without disturbing the core of Nash and Stoudemire too much. You're right it didn't work, but at least he was willing to take a risk and try something that might have worked.

I think Steve Kerr is a smart basketball guy and I'd be really curious to see what he could do with a tabula rasa like the Blazers will sort of be at the end of this season. If given latitude to do his job I bet he'd be pretty good.

 

[HailBlazers]

Steve Kerr and Steve Nash, Yes Please.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Steve Nash? How the hell is a 53 year old PG going to help with rebuilding?

 

[Natebishop3]

Steve Kerr and Steve Nash, Yes Please.

I truly don't understand the obsession with Steve Nash. What do you think he's going to do for this team?

 

[Denny Crane]

I'd be so down with Kerr. He's really smart, and he would certainly know how to work with the Blazers' current situation as a starting point.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I think you're overlooking something. When Kerr got the job the Suns were kind of bumping their heads against the ceiling in terms of how far that roster could go (due to age, contracts, etc.) he tried to see if he could tinker a little bit and add some more defensive presence to the roster by adding Shaq and by hiring Porter but without disturbing the core of Nash and Stoudemire too much. You're right it didn't work, but at least he was willing to take a risk and try something that might have worked.

I think Steve Kerr is a smart basketball guy and I'd be really curious to see what he could do with a tabula rasa like the Blazers will sort of be at the end of this season. If given latitude to do his job I bet he'd be pretty good.

I think people are fooled by Kerr because he's articulate and glib. Just like people thought Bayless was a good player because he always had a scowl on his face.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I think people are fooled by Kerr because he's articulate and glib. Just like people thought Bayless was a good player because he always had a scowl on his face.

Jesus.

He's not glib, he's actually smart. Listen to him talk hoops with Simmons some time, it's not ego, it's not snake oil salesman bullshit, it's real knowledge.

 

[HailBlazers]

I truly don't understand the obsession with Steve Nash. What do you think he's going to do for this team?

The pick and roll with LMA, first and foremost.

 

[Natebishop3]

The pick and roll with LMA, first and foremost.

That's great.... for how long? Does adding Steve Nash to this team make us good enough to contend? If not, why spend money on a 38 year old point guard?

 

[BlayZa]

he's funny on NBA open court.

let's take him.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Jesus.

He is not!

He's not glib, he's actually smart. Listen to him talk hoops with Simmons some time, it's not ego, it's not snake oil salesman bullshit, it's real knowledge.

He's glib and I agree he's smart. But smart doesn't make him a good GM. So far he's proven to take poor risks. What makes you think that'll change here? Now, don't get me wrong, I like Kerr and I'd be willing to give him a chance at GM here. I just don't think he's a good GM and we should look elsewhere.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think people are fooled by Kerr because he's articulate and glib. Just like people thought Bayless was a good player because he always had a scowl on his face.

Jesus.

He's not glib, he's actually smart. Listen to him talk hoops with Simmons some time, it's not ego, it's not snake oil salesman bullshit, it's real knowledge.

Interesting that both of you posted my thoughts from this morning. I was actually debating both your comments before either of you posted them.

I go back and forth on this. I do think Kerr is an intelligent guy. I met him years go as he is a friend of a friend where I live in Pacific Palisades. He is a very smart guy and pleasant guy to talk with in person, but he does come across as a little cocky and condescending at times on the radio and TV. The guy has had an interesting life growing up both in the Middle East and So Cal. (and having a father that was assassinated)

His record is not great as a GM, and he has pissed me off with some of his comments about the Blazers, but I still would take a chance on him. Not sure how he would interact with fans and advertisers, as he is no schmoozer. But we have Larry Miller for that.

 

[HailBlazers]

Does adding Steve Nash to this team make us good enough to contend? If not, why spend money on a 38 year old point guard?

He makes everyone else infinitely better, AND has the ability to attract meaningful free agents. Furthermore, he still has some years left in him during LMA's prime.

His record is not great as a GM, and he has pissed me off with some of his comments about the Blazers, but I still would take a chance on him. Not sure how he would interact with fans and advertisers, as he is no schmoozer. But we have Larry Miller for that.

Most important thing is how he would interact with PA and ofcourse other GM's. Kerr just might have the balls to be successful.

Wasn't Quick just speculating about Steve Kerr? Until the Blazers let the GM be the GM, we won't be getting any quality GM candidates anyway

Yes, speculating hard in this article. Again, Steve just may be the guy to demand respect and get it from PA.

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...nsider_blazers_reopen_search_for_general.html

 

[Mediocre Man]

jwquick Steve Kerr says "it wouldn't be right for me to comment" on his interest/involvement in becoming the Blazers next general manager

jwquick Kerr was the Blazers' first target last May after Rich Cho was fired, but told Blazers he wanted to spend time with family.


The first is an interesting comment

The second would tell me he isn't one of the guys since Larry Boy said any candidates before are not in consideration....or was it people they actually interviewed?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Maybe Steve's just waiting for Paul to sell?

 

[RR7]

jwquick Steve Kerr says "it wouldn't be right for me to comment" on his interest/involvement in becoming the Blazers next general manager

jwquick Kerr was the Blazers' first target last May after Rich Cho was fired, but told Blazers he wanted to spend time with family.


The first is an interesting comment

The second would tell me he isn't one of the guys since Larry Boy said any candidates before are not in consideration....or was it people they actually interviewed?

I believe they said those they interviewed before.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I don't blame Kerr.

It'd be hard to leave Rancho Santa Fe for the headaches of running an NBA team.

 

[MickZagger]

Kerr doesn't strike me as someone who would take kindly to the neck-breathers at Vulcan trying to micro-manage.

 

[magnifier661]

I'm soooo excited!!!! Kerr is just the kiss ass we need! Go blazers!