Bulls Legend Johnny Kerr Gets His Day

Longtime broadcaster and team's first coach enshrined at United Center

His voice has been a part of so many of your memories of the Chicago Bulls. His relationship with the Bulls helped build the relatively young franchise. Johnny "Red" Kerr, the Bulls first coach and longtime announcer was honored tonight by the team who has been such an integral part of his life.

All wearing buttons that said "Red," Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, John Paxson and Jerry Reinsdorf were just a few of the luminaries on hand to honor Kerr. After Jordan spoke, President Barack Obama talked about how he loved listening to Kerr as a Bulls fan because Kerr is a fan like us. To further honor Kerr, Tuesday was proclaimed Johnny Kerr Day by the City of Chicago, and he was sent a message by NBA commissioner David Stern which lauded Kerr's love of the game.

"You'll see me around on occasion, but what I'll miss most of all is the hardwood floor of this United Center," Kerr said, after thanking the many people who had honored him.

Kerr has a unique place in basketball history. He was in the famous Celtics game when Havlicek stole the ball, and made the call when Michael Jordan made "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo. Jordan had a pregame ritual where he would clap his hands, full of rosin, in front of Kerr before tip-off. During the ceremony, Jordan recreated their ritual before thanking Kerr for being an inspiration to him.

Despite a legendary career as a player in which he played 800 straight games, averaging over ten points and eight rebounds a game, Kerr is not enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Tonight, Jerry Colangelo presented Kerr with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, which is the highest award the basketball Hall of Fame gives out, short of enshrinement. Kerr was visibily moved when handed the award.

Kerr is a true Chicagoan, a product of Tilden High School and the University of Illinois, and the Bulls' first coach. He led the team to the playoffs during their first year of existence. A bust of him will now reside in the United Center, but Kerr does not need to enshrined in bronze for his influence to be felt every time the Bulls take the court.

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