Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson, born on September 17, 1945, in Deer Lodge, Montana, is a renowned former professional basketball player and coach, celebrated for his significant contributions to the NBA. Raised in a strict religious environment, Jackson excelled in basketball during his time at the University of North Dakota, leading to his selection by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA Draft. While his playing career was hampered by injuries, Jackson later transitioned to coaching, where he achieved remarkable success. As head coach of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, he led the team to six NBA championships, prominently featuring legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. His coaching style, which emphasized team dynamics and defense, was instrumental in the Bulls’ success and later with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won another five championships. Jackson's influence extended beyond the court, as he took on a leadership role as president of the New York Knicks in 2014. Off the court, he has been married twice and has five children, and he is currently engaged to Jeanie Buss, the president of the Lakers. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Jackson remains a respected figure in the sport.
Phil Jackson
Professional basketball executive
- Born: September 17, 1945
- Birthplace: Place of birth: Deer Lodge, Montana
Also known as: Philip Douglas Jackson
Education: University of North Dakota
Significance: Phil Jackson is an American basketball executive, serving as president of the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously coached the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson also enjoyed a professional basketball career, playing with the Knicks and New Jersey Nets.
Background
Philip Douglas Jackson was born on September 17, 1945, in Deer Lodge, Montana, the son of evangelical ministers. He grew up in a strict religious environment and played sports. He graduated from Williston High School in Williston, North Dakota, where he excelled at basketball. He then attended the University of North Dakota, playing basketball under the tutelage of Bill Fitch, who later coached several NBA teams.
Jackson, who was thin and a few inches shy of seven feet tall, used his height and long limbs to his advantage as a defensive player. His jerky movements combined with his broad shoulders netted him the nickname "Head ‘n’ Shoulders." He received a second nickname, the "Mop" for his ability to dive for and gain control of loose balls on the court. As a senior at North Dakota during the 1966–67 season, Jackson scored an average of 27.4 points per game.
In 1967, the New York Knicks drafted Jackson during the second round as the seventeenth overall selection. He finished his first professional season with an average of 6.2 points per game. A back injury that led to spinal fusion surgery left him out of the 1969–1970 season. The Knicks won the NBA Finals in 1973. The following season, the defensive player had his best scoring season with an average of 11.1 points per game. Although Jackson was not a prolific scorer, he was a fan favorite with his long hair and awkward playing style. He played with the Knicks until 1978, when he was traded to the New Jersey Nets as a player and assistant coach. Jackson stayed with the Nets for two seasons, retiring from play in 1980. He stayed on as assistant coach through the following season with the team.
Life’s Work
Jackson then turned to television commentary briefly and became the head coach of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) Albany Patroons. During the summers, he coached in Puerto Rico. He spent five seasons in Albany, helping to lead the Patroons to a 1984 championship. He was named CBA Coach of the Year during this time. Jackson ended his coaching term with Albany in 1987 with a 117–90 career record.
In 1987, he became an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls NBA team, which at the time was led by player Michael Jordan and coach Doug Collins. In December 1988, Collins was ejected from a game, and Jackson took over in his absence. He mixed up the defense and guided the team to a relaxed win. The Bulls made it to the conference finals that season but lost to the Detroit Pistons. Afterward, Collins was fired, and Jackson replaced him as head coach of the Bulls.
Jackson made big changes to the team, putting an emphasis on defense. He teamed players Jordan and Scottie Pippen and used specially designed tactics to defeat other teams. He also tinkered with the offense, using a moving players technique that was designed to optimize scoring options. Although Jordan’s scoring average dipped slightly, the team became an unstoppable force, winning the 1991 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bulls won the next two championships in 1992 and 1993. Jordan then announced his retirement.
Jackson helped lead the Bulls to the semifinals the following season. Jordan came out of retirement in 1995, but the team lost at the semifinals during this season. Jackson continued to strengthen the team, adding Dennis Rodman to the lineup. The team had one of its best seasons ever in 1995–1996, making history with finishing the regular season at 72–10. The Bulls advanced to the play-offs, winning the 1996 NBA Finals. The team defended its title the following two years.
Jackson then took time off from coaching. He resurfaced in 1999 as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He used his coaching skills to turn the team around and lead players Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to their best seasons ever. For the first time in history, the Lakers won three straight NBA Finals from 2000 to 2002. Jackson took a year off in 2004, reportedly because of disputes with Bryant. He returned as coach of the Lakers in 2005, but the team struggled to recapture its earlier successes. With some strategic planning, the coach was able to guide the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Jackson retired from coaching the following year.
In late 2013, the management team of the Knicks approached Jackson about a return to basketball. A coaching position was mentioned, but the focus turned to a front-office position with the team. In March 2014, Jackson was named president of the Knicks, making him the lead decision maker of the team.
Impact
As a coach, Jackson used his unique coaching abilities to turn players into stars. He helped to guide players to see the potential in themselves; he showed them how to succeed as part of a team. He was able to build a winning basketball team that was centered on an individual player (Michael Jordan) out of the Bulls. He continued his coaching tactics to mold the Lakers into a successful franchise. No longer a coach, Jackson continued to put his talents to use as the top executive of the New York Knicks organization.
Personal Life
Jackson has been married and divorced two times. He has five children with his two ex-spouses. Jackson is engaged to Lakers president Jeanie Buss, with whom he has been in a relationship since 1999. In 2007, Jackson, as a winning coach, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Bibliography
Amick, Sam. "1-on-1 with Jeanie Buss: Lakers President Opens Up on Relationship with Phil Jackson." USA Today. Gannett Satellite Information Network, 28 June 2015. Web. 24 May 20160.
Begley, Ian. "Phil Jackson New Knicks President." ESPN. ESPN, 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Coaches: Phil Jackson." Basketball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Phil Jackson." NBA. NBA Media Ventures, n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Players: Phil Jackson." Basketball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.