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23. Johnny Kerr

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23. Johnny Kerr
Johnny “Red” Kerr was the original big red head will always have a place in basketball history. Kerr had a very solid career as a player, a coach and finally as a legendary announcer kept him in the NBA spotlight for over 55 years.  However, it is his playing career that will determine if he belongs in the Hall of Fame or not.  Kerr was a vital part of the Syracuse Nationals which became the Philadelphia 76ers for all but one of his 13 years.  He led the University of Illinois to a Final Four in college and then led the Syracuse Nationals to their only championship in 1955. 

A three-time All-Star, Kerr was a solid scorer and terrific rebounder.  He is only one of 20 players with 10,000 points and rebounds.  A solid career for sure but probably not quite Hall worthy, but his legend has grown as has his popularity becoming the color guy for the Bulls starting in 1975 and running through their championship runs of the 1990s.  This, plus his coaching career has gained him quite push to get in.  Sadly, Johnny Kerr died in 2009 ironically on the same day as Bulls legend Norm Van Lier, a player whose career he called in hs long tenure as the Bulls color commentator.  Kerr may not be in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, but he was part of the inaugural Bulls Ring of Honor class in 2023.


Should Johnny Kerr be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.4%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 10.3%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1972
  • Position: Center, Power Forward
  • Games Played: 905
  • Per Game Averages: 30.7 MIN
    13.8 PTS
    11.2 RB
    2.2 AST
    N/A STL*
    N/A BLK*
    .418 FG%
    N/A 3FG%**
    .723 FT%

    30.7 MIN
    12.3 PTS
    10.9 RB
    2.0 AST
    N/A STL*
    N/A BLK*
    .386 FG%
    N/A 3FG%**
    .687 FT%     

    *Steals and Blocks were not calculated when Kerr played
    **The three-point shot was not in existence when Kerr played
  • Advanced Stats: 16.8 PER
    .467 TS%
    61.8 WS
    N/A VORP    *

    76 Playoff Games
    15.6 PER
    .431 TS%
    2.5 WS     
    N/A VORP*

    *VORP was not calculated when Kerr played 
  • Played For: Baltimore Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, Syracuse Nationals
  • College: Illinois
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 6th Pick Overall in 1954
  • Major Accolades and Awards: NBA All-Star (3) (1956, 1959 & 1963)
    NBA Championships: (1) (Syracuse Nationals, 1954-55)
    AP Third Team All-American (1) (1954)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds (8) (1956-57, 1957-58, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63 & 1963-64)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds per Game (8) (1956-57, 1957-58, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63 & 1963-64)
    Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Percentage (3) (1954-55, 1958-59 & 1962-63)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goal Percentage (3) (1954-55, 1958-59 & 1962-63)
    Top Ten Finishes: Effective Field Goal Percentage (3) (1954-55, 1958-59 & 1962-63)
    Top Ten Finishes: Field Goals (1) (1958-59)
    Top Ten Finishes: 2-Point Field Goals (1) (1958-59)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (2) (1958-59 & 1963-64)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes per Game (1) (1958-59)
    Top Ten Finishes: Win Shares (1) (1958-59)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Win Shares (1) (1958-59)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Win Shares (4) (1955-56, 1957-58, 1958-59 & 1961-62)
  • Notable All-time Rankings: 31.  Rebounds per Game: 11.2
    47.  Rebounds: 10,092

Should Johnny Kerr be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 79.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.4%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 10.3%
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