The Golden State Warriors went through a transitional era after the "We Believe" period, when Baron Davis and Monta Ellis formed one of the most electrifying backcourt duos in the league. The team then fell into a three-year slump between the 2000s and 2010s, which eventually led to Mark Jackson being hired as head coach for the first time in his career.
After an adaptation season, the Warriors slowly began to build an identity under the legendary point guard, and through smart drafting, they added Stephen Curry , Klay Thompson and Draymond Green , giving the team the structure for a new, emerging generation.
Over the next two seasons, the San Francisco-based team began winning in earnest, making consecutive playoff appearances. In the 2013–14 season, they achieved an impressive 51–31 record, signaling that big things were ahead. However, management believed the team had the potential for even more and brought in Steve Kerr , a move that did not sit well with Charles Barkley .
" Steve is not that stupid. He's not going to come to the Titanic ," Barkley stressed .
Bob Myers , who was running the Warriors' front office at the time, made what seemed like an illogical decision by firing Jackson, who had guided the team to more than 50 wins for the first time since 1994 and led them to consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 1992.
The Phoenix Suns legend was clearly impressed by Jackson's achievements and felt he deserved more time, while the front office was operating on a different wavelength, believing the team had greater potential beyond first-round playoff exits.
At the time, none of the Warriors' "Big 3" fully displayed Hall of Fame-level potential, though they were all very talented. At the same time, Kerr was enjoying himself after his stint as GM of the Suns, so he actually came into coaching without much hands-on coaching experience, but with a ton of championship experience. Management believed Kerr had the tools to fully develop Curry and Thompson 's potential, as he himself was one of the best sharpshooters ever.
The rest, as they say, is history. In his debut season, Kerr led GSW to its first championship in 40 years.
Warriors players, however, always showed respect for the coach who shaped them early in their careers, as that was best shown when Draymond praised Mark for the foundation he provided .
"Where I do give Mark [Jackson] credit is the confidence that he instilled in us to be okay with being us. The confidence that he instilled in Steph — I can remember vividly conversations with him like, '[Steph], you're the baddest dude on the planet!' This is before Stephen Curry was an All-Star," Green said .
Who knows? Had the legendary 17-year NBA veteran had a few more years to reach the prime of the "Big 3," Jackson might still be coaching the Warriors today. However, after that, he never got another coaching opportunity, something he regrets and hopes to return to someday . In the meantime, he has devoted himself to broadcasting NBA games.
On the other hand, Myers is no longer with the team but will be remembered as one of the architects of the Warriors' four-championship era under Kerr, during which Curry became one of the greatest players of all time. Myers recognized that something special lay within the Warriors, and it only needed the right person to unlock it.
Now, in his 11th season with the team, Kerr seems to be in a "last dance" phase as age catches up, but his decision to join GSW remains one of the best moves in his storied career.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
