Over the years, many NBA coaches have tried to change the game of basketball with their unique systems and approaches to the game. But it’s easier said than done, and only a handful of NBA coaches have actually been able to accomplish that goal.
The legendary Phil Jackson certainly falls in the category of the best coaches in the history of the NBA. After winning two NBA titles as a player, Phil went on to win 11 rings as a coach. He coached in 20 seasons and won rings in 11 of them, truly worthy of his nickname “Zen Master.”
The Chicago Bulls hired Jackson as the head coach of the team back in 1989 after the franchise was unable to enjoy much success in the postseason. The Bulls had Michael Jordan as the superstar of the team, but there was something missing.
It was arguably the fact that the team focused on running plays through MJ instead of utilizing everyone on the court. Well, Jackson changed that and went on to win six NBA Championships with MJ and the Bulls.
Michael Jordan Wasn’t Happy After The Bulls Hired Phil Jackson
Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson have the highest winning percentage in the NBA for a player-coach duo, so it might shock many that Jordan wasn’t fond of Phil when he was first hired.
Well, Jordan mentioned it and the reason behind it in ESPN’s ‘The Last Dance’ docuseries.
(Starts at 0:40):
“I wasn’t a Phil Jackson fan when he first came in. He wanted to take the ball out of my hands. Doug Collins put the ball in my hands.”
– Michael Jordan on the Bulls hiring the Zen Master
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 17, 2022
“I wasn’t a Phil Jackson fan when he first came in because he was coming in to take the ball out of my hands.”
Fortunately, MJ trusted Jackson’s tactics, and it did wonders for him and the Bulls. After his tenure ended with the Bulls, Jackson joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was a different team, but the Zen Master delivered the same level of success for them as well. He helped them win five NBA Championships and became one of the best coaches in NBA history, despite Skip Bayless saying Phil’s career was over after leaving the Bulls.
