On the recent episode of the Dan LeBatard Show, comedic actor Keegan-Michael Key commented on the famous “Key and Peele” Barack Obama skit coming to fruition in real life and how Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it work.
“I love how somehow Steve Kerr is more black adjacent than the other coaches, and that Steve gets the hug. That’s so funny to me.” Key said.
Steve Kerr has been in the NBA since 1989. During that time, he has spent his career with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, the Portland Trail Blazers, Tim Duncan, and the San Antonio Spurs. Furthermore, he’s coached since 2015. It should go without saying, but the NBA is a majority-black league. Kerr respects past and present NBA members, many of whom are black.
Furthermore, he’s aligned himself with the culture as he gets in on the joke and attempts to relate to his current players. That’s what makes Kerr a great coach; he’s able to get the most out of his players and connect with them on some level. Many coaches know the X’s and O’s but lack the heart for the job.
Kerr also defended the culture when then-President Donald Trump verbally attacked his players and the NBA as a whole.
Ultimately, Obama realizes Kerr’s efforts and respects him for it. Instead of a simple handshake, for which you give your co-worker or working rival, a hug is a more sincere, intimate sign of respect usually reserved for friends and family.
Kerr’s experience and social actions in the NBA allow him the privilege of receiving respect from Obama.
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