Phil Jackson is the most storied basketball coach in NBA history; he's won 11 NBA Championships and coached some of the best players in history. I must admit, though, to taking exception with the perception of Phil as the greatest coach of all time. Yes, he's won more championships than anyone, but he's also coached the best talent, including Kobe and Michael Jordan. Imagine if Phil had moved from the Chicago Bulls in 1998 to the Seattle Supersonics; I know that without a good coach the best of teams are lost, but it certainly doesn't help to have world-class players on your roster and the money to attract other big names. Phil is now 64 years old and, though he considered retirement more than a decade ago, wants to come back to Los Angeles next season. The only problem: the recession has hit the NBA, and the powers that be have asked Jackson to take a pay cut. Jackson is in furious negotiations with the Lakers to retain his $12 million a year, but forgive me for rolling my eyes at the thought that he somehow can't make ends meet without that, nor without the estimated $6 million he was making per season before his current contract.
Phil Jackson is the most storied basketball coach in NBA history; he's won 11 NBA Championships and coached some of the best players in history. I must admit, though, to taking exception with the perception of Phil as the greatest coach of all time. Yes, he's won more championships than anyone, but he's also coached the best talent, including Kobe and Michael Jordan. Imagine if Phil had moved from the Chicago Bulls in 1998 to the Seattle Supersonics; I know that without a good coach the best of teams are lost, but it certainly doesn't help to have world-class players on your roster and the money to attract other big names. Phil is now 64 years old and, though he considered retirement more than a decade ago, wants to come back to Los Angeles next season. The only problem: the recession has hit the NBA, and the powers that be have asked Jackson to take a pay cut. Jackson is in furious negotiations with the Lakers to retain his $12 million a year, but forgive me for rolling my eyes at the thought that he somehow can't make ends meet without that, nor without the estimated $6 million he was making per season before his current contract.