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Crediting Mark Jackson for Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry’s 4 Rings, Stephen A. Smith Advocates Ex-Warriors Coach

Published 11/17/2023, 9:42 PM EST

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The Golden State Warriors are one of the Greatest dynasties in NBA history. They have won 4 Championships in the last decade and played in 6 NBA Finals. A major reason for their success has been the partnership of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Warriors Big-3 reached astronomical heights under the leadership of head coach Steve Kerr.

But many would argue that their road to success started even before Steve Kerr took over the reins of the Warriors franchise. Like many before him, Stephen A. Smith credited former Warriors coach Mark Jackson for paving the way for Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry to win 4 rings.

Stephen A. Smith gives Mark Jackson his flowers

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Following the rumors about Mark Jackson getting fired from calling the New York Knicks games, the former Warriors’ head coach revealed in a video that he turned that job down over a week ago. Jackson also said that he is fed up with his integrity being questioned repeatedly.

Veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith defended Mark Jackson’s stance and praised him for helping Stephen Curry and Co. reach where they are today. “Klay Thompson and Steph Curry may have never been what they ultimately became had it not been for Mark Jackson. And the tutelage he provided and how it set the stage for Steve Kerr to piggyback off of and ultimately elevate not just the franchise, but himself to astronomical heights as a coach”, Stephen A. said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

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Mark Jackson was the head coach of the Warriors from 2012 to 2014. It was under his guidance that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson started showing signs of greatness. Jackson initiated the three-pointer dominant style of play that eventually became the key to success for Stephen Curry and Co. Unfortunately, he could not hold on to his job long enough to reap the benefits of his hard work.

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Steve Kerr elevated the Warriors to greater heights

Even though Mark Jackson laid the foundation for the success that the Warriors have achieved, it was Steve Kerr who took that blueprint and elevated the Warriors to astronomical heights. Kerr was a 5-time champion as a player, and that gave him enough experience to lead a team full of generational superstars like Steph, Klay, and Draymond.

Has Stephen Curry Won His Last Championship With Warriors Amid Serious Concerns Over Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s Future?

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We have seen many super teams fail in the past due to a lack of leadership and coordination. So, it was not an easy task for Kerr to keep the group together for so many years. Kerr has proved in his tenure with the Warriors that he is one of the best coaches in basketball and he was a crucial piece in making the Warriors one of the greatest basketball teams of all time.

Watch This Story: Steve Kerr Makes Bold Promise to 20YO Brandin Podziemski for Heroics in Stephen Curry’s Absence

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Written by:

Rohan Bhaunt

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Rohan is an NBA Content Writer at EssentiallySports. He is a state-level basketball player and has been a fan of the NBA for over a decade. This allows him to deep dive into the sport and provide a fresh outlook.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja