"Life is too short to be with jerks" - Gregg Popovich on Steve Kerr's shining moment in 2003 WCF

“Life is too short to be with jerks” – Gregg Popovich on Steve Kerr’s shining moment in 2003 WCF originally appeared on Basketball Network.

Gregg Popovich will go down as one of basketball’s greatest minds. With five NBA rings in his 29 seasons as head coach of one of the most respected franchises in league history, the San Antonio Spurs, he has cemented his legacy as a true master of the game.

However, it’s not just his coaching prowess that makes him so beloved by fans and players alike – it’s also his wit, humor and genuine love for his players.

One moment that truly showed Popovich’s endearing personality was during the 2003 Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs were battling to secure a spot in the NBA Finals against their in-state rivals. However, they faced an uphill battle, down double-figures in the fourth quarter.

As they faced the prospect of competing in a winner-take-all Game 7, Popovich looked to his bench and called the number of a veteran guard who, before that game, had played in only two minutes the entire series: Steve Kerr.

Pop knew he could trust Steve

With the reality of playing a Game 7 looming as the Mavs led by 13 at the start of the fourth, Popovich felt comfortable having Kerr on the floor with Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Stephen Jackson and Malik Rose. While the move may have been made out of necessity with Tony Parker hampered by a stomach flu, Kerr soon proved he belonged out there, hitting three triples in two minutes to shove the Spurs in front for good.

Kerr finished the series-clinching win with 12 points on 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. A couple of weeks later, he would win his fifth NBA ring after the Spurs beat the New Jersey Nets in the 2003 NBA Finals.

Popovich said he wasn’t surprised that Kerr rose to the occasion. After all, the veteran guard was a consummate professional who always put his reps regardless if he got a single second of game action or not.

“The guy is there before and after practice, running and shooting until he’s dripping wet,” the legendary coach stated. “He hasn’t stopped practicing every day, working every day, even though he hasn’t played.”

Above all, Popovich understood the importance of having someone like Kerr on the team — a genuinely great person. Intelligent, cheerful and quick-witted, the sharpshooter brought a sense of joy and positivity to every interaction.

“Life is too short to be with jerks,” he added. “This is a business, and it’s not the most important thing in the world.”

The Spurs had a blast

With Popovich at the helm, the Spurs fostered a culture of togetherness that felt familial than just a team.

Yes, they were all paid a king’s ransom to win games and hoist championships. However, Popovich never burdened them with unrealistic expectations or a toxic attitude. Instead, he gave them the freedom and trust to play their game and express themselves on the court.

So, when the 37-year-old got one more chance to be in the spotlight in the twilight of his career, the Spurs couldn’t contain their excitement.

“We were having a blast with it, because that was so Steve. He’s just that guy. That’s why Michael Jordan called on him. If there’s anybody you can count on, you need somebody to trust, he’s the guy,” Spurs great David Robinson shared.

“You had to be there to understand what this moment meant for all of us,” the Admiral continued. “Here’s a guy who wasn’t playing at all. He hadn’t sniffed the court. But when he was called on, that man came up huge.”

Kerr retired from playing in the NBA after that season and soon transitioned to coaching, where he added four more rings to his collection with the Golden State Warriors. Though he spent only four seasons with the Spurs, his impact on the organization will never be forgotten.

From his clutch shots to his leadership off the court, Kerr truly embodied what it meant to be a Spur: selfless, hardworking and always ready for any challenge.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.

“Life is too short to be with jerks” – Gregg Popovich on Steve Kerr’s shining moment in 2003 WCF

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