Bulls to Honor "Red" Kerr
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 10, 2009 5:10PM
We'd think that after a seven-game road trip, the Bulls couldn't wait to see their home whites when they return to the United Center tonight to host the Detroit Pistons. Instead, they'll sport their road reds one more time. That's because tonight, the Bulls are honoring Johnny "Red" Kerr for his 35 years of service with the Bulls.
Of course, Kerr hasn't just been a broadcaster for the team. The Chicago native and Illini collegiate star was drafted by the Bulls in the expansion draft prior to their joining the NBA in 1966. Instead of playing for his hometown team, he retired and became the Bulls first head coach. He led the team to a 33-48 record and the playoffs -- the only coach of an expansion ever to do so. He remained coach for another season before heading to Phoenix after a falling out with former Bulls owner Dick Klein.
Kerr returned to the Bulls as their color analyst on TV in 1974 and has been calling games ever since -- now 35 years and counting. But the end of the line behind the mike is coming for Kerr, who at 76 and in failing health, no longer travels with the team. Thus, tonight's ceremonies can be expected to be emotional. But it won't just be Bulls fans who are fawning over Red. The basketball Hall of Fame announced they'll be awarding Kerr with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
Coach Vinny del Negro is even hoping to make their halftime adjustments quickly so that the players can watch the halftime festivities. And it's not just the current players who expect to witness the salute to Kerr, which will feature, a "video tribute, speeches and appearances from notables such as Jerry Reinsdorf, Jerry Colangelo, Dolph Schayes, Al Bianchi, Jim Durham, Ron Guenther as well as David Stern who will appear via a taped message." Many former Bulls are expected to be in attendance tonight, including Bob Love, Scottie Pippin and Michael Jordan. We'd be quite disappointed if Kerr's doesn't get dusted by MJ one last time...
Image via ChicagoBulls.com