When you see a red Chicago Bulls jersey with the number 25 on the back, your brain probably skips right past the nameplate. You assume it's just another piece of 90s nostalgia. But for a certain subset of basketball junkies, that steve kerr basketball jersey represents something way more specific than just "The Last Dance" era.
It’s about the shot. You know the one. 1997. Game 6. Michael Jordan gets doubled, finds Kerr at the top of the key, and Kerr drains it like he’s just practicing in a quiet gym.
But here’s the thing: tracking down an authentic Steve Kerr jersey isn't as straightforward as grabbing a Jordan or Pippen off the rack. Kerr was the ultimate journeyman winner. He wore different numbers. He played for six different franchises. If you're looking to buy one—or even just understand why they still sell for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market—you have to know which "version" of Steve Kerr you’re actually chasing.
The Number 25 Obsession in Chicago
Most fans want the Bulls jersey. It’s the iconic look. Between 1993 and 1998, Kerr wore #25 in Chicago, and that’s the jersey that dominates the Mitchell & Ness "Swingman" catalogs today.
People forget how hard it was to find these back in the day. In the mid-90s, Champion made the official replicas. If you weren't a superstar, your jersey usually wasn't mass-produced for every Foot Locker in the country. You had to go to the stadium or hope a local shop had the "screen-print" version.
Today, the most sought-after Bulls version is the 1995-96 black pinstripe. It’s a vibe. It represents the 72-10 season. If you find a vintage Champion size 44 or 48 in that pinstripe style, you're looking at a serious collector's item. Honestly, the pinstripes just make the #25 look faster.
Beyond the Bulls: The Jersey Variants
Kerr didn’t always wear 25. That’s a common misconception. When he started with the Phoenix Suns in 1988, he was wearing #4. It looks weird. It feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Then he went to Cleveland. In those early 90s Cavs jerseys—the ones with the orange and blue "V" splash—he wore #5. Those jerseys are actually gaining traction in the vintage "streetwear" scene because they look so distinctively "retro" compared to the modern, sleek NBA designs.
- Phoenix Suns (1988-89): Wore #4. These are incredibly rare.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (1989-92): Wore #5. The "Price and Daugherty" era.
- Orlando Magic (1992-93): Wore #5. He was there for a blink, but the pinstripe Magic jersey is a classic.
- Chicago Bulls (1993-98): Wore #25. The peak years.
- San Antonio Spurs (1998-01, 2002-03): Wore #2. Won two more rings here.
- Portland Trail Blazers (2001-02): Wore #2.
If you're a Spurs fan, that #2 jersey is special. He wasn't the focal point, but he was the veteran presence that helped Tim Duncan and David Robinson get over the hump. It’s a "real ones know" kind of jersey.
The Arizona Wildcats Connection
Before the NBA, Kerr was a legend at the University of Arizona. They actually retired his #25 jersey. If you ever visit the McKale Center in Tucson, it’s up there in the rafters.
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For a lot of collectors, the Arizona jersey is the holy grail. It represents the grit he showed after his father’s tragic passing in 1984 and his recovery from a massive knee injury. It’s not just a sports tank top; it’s a symbol of resilience. You can occasionally find "Retro Brand" or Nike college replicas, but they sell out the second Arizona has a good tournament run.
Why Are People Still Buying These?
It's not just about the stats. Kerr averaged about 6 points per game for his career. On paper, that doesn't scream "buy my jersey."
But Kerr is the bridge between two of the greatest dynasties in history. You have the Jordan Bulls and the Curry Warriors. When you wear a steve kerr basketball jersey, you’re signaling that you value the "glue guy." You value the person who hits the open shot when the stakes are highest.
Also, let’s be real: Steve Kerr is cool. He’s the guy who joked at the Bulls' championship parade that he had to "bail out" Michael Jordan. That personality makes the memorabilia feel more personal.
How to Spot a Fake Kerr Jersey
If you're hunting on eBay or Grailed, be careful. The "fake" market for 90s jerseys is massive.
First, check the "jock tag" at the bottom left. If it’s a 90s Bulls jersey, it should be made by Champion. If it says "Nike" but claims to be from 1995, it’s a red flag (Nike didn’t take over the Bulls' uniforms until 1997).
Second, look at the font of the "25." On the real Mitchell & Ness recreations, the numbers are stitched (tackle twill). On the cheap knockoffs, the numbers often look "bubbly" or use a font that's slightly too skinny.
Third, the pinstripes. On the authentic 1995-96 alternate, the pinstripes are actually made of tiny red letters that spell out "CHICAGO BULLS." Most fakes just use solid red lines.
The Market Value in 2026
Prices have shifted. A few years ago, you could snag a used Kerr jersey for $50. Now?
- Mitchell & Ness Swingman (New): Usually retails around $135.
- Vintage Champion Replica (Good condition): $100 - $180.
- Authentic (Pro-cut) Vintage: $400+.
- Signed Jerseys: With a JSA or PSA certificate, you’re looking at $200 to $500 depending on the team.
The Warriors' continued relevance keeps Kerr’s name in the headlines, which weirdly keeps his player-era jerseys more expensive than other role players from the same time.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you actually want to own a piece of this history, don't just search for "Steve Kerr jersey." You'll get buried in generic results.
- Search for "Champion 1990s Bulls jersey 25." This helps you find the authentic vintage stuff rather than the modern mass-produced replicas.
- Check the Spurs auctions. Because everyone wants the Bulls version, you can sometimes find a San Antonio #2 jersey for a steal. It’s just as "championship-worthy" but half the price.
- Verify the signatures. If you're buying an autographed one, ensure it has a reputable COA (Certificate of Authenticity). Upper Deck has a long-standing relationship with many of those 90s Bulls players, making their certs the gold standard.
Basically, the Kerr jersey is the ultimate "I know ball" move. It’s for the fan who understands that the stars get the headlines, but the shooters get the rings. Whether it’s the Arizona red-and-blue or the Bulls' iconic red, it’s a piece of history that isn't going out of style anytime soon.