As a rule, I'm pretty laid back when it comes to other people. I've been friends, for instance, with people that other friends of mine didn't like. I try not let other people influence my opinions of others, nor do I cling (often) to strong opinions of specific people, good or bad.
That being said, I've read a lot of things lately online about how awesome Phil Jackson is. Oh, the Knicks are going to be globally dominant, Phil's special brand of zen magic and how he has never lost who he really is throughout his metamorphosis from mere mortal to the fully awesome person he is now. Even Oprah is in love with Phil--and what more of an endorsement does anyone need aside from the Oprah seal of approval.
Yet, here I am...unimpressed. True enough, Phil Jackson probably doesn't want nor need my sign off on his accomplishments. Indeed, he's probably a swell guy, fun at parties and always one to send a thoughtfully crafted thank you note when the occasion warrants. I'm still unimpressed. And you shouldn't be impressed either.
But...but Phil Jackson coached teams to 11 NBA championships...and the whole, you know...the Zen Master and so forth...what about that?
What about that?!?
Here's a concept that never enters into the "Phil Jackson is the greatest thing that ever happened to the NBA" equation: Name one--and I mean ONE--time Phil Jackson won a NBA championship when the best player in the league didn't play for him.
...I'll wait.
Answer: ZERO!
Phil Jackson has coached an entire career with not less than the best player in the league at the time playing for him. Yeah, but how many did Jordan win before Phil? Jordan: Six championships, all with Jackson...Jordan left for baseball, Jackson: zero championships without Jordan. Jordan returns and the next season after, the Bulls set a record for most wins in a single season (72 wins out of 82 games, if you're keeping track). So who is the real key figure here?
Move on the Los Angeles. Phil Jackson won five more titles. This time, Jackson had not only the best player in the league, he had the two best players in the league. During that championship span with the Lakers, the only thing remarkable is they managed to somehow not win the title every year. I'll take Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and three other dudes of your choosing, pair them with some randomly chosen high school coach and I'll still come up with a NBA championship somewhere along the line.
And why be in the front office of the Knicks now? Why not coach? Because New York's roster is awful. Carmelo Anthony (if he stays) is quality, but he's not the best player in the league. If the Knicks suddenly re-sign Carmelo and then sign LeBron James, Jackson will end his coaching retirement in two seconds flat.
What team did he build into a champion? When did he coach a team that was in last place and built it into something? He's a great coach, a Zen Master, for crying out loud, because why? He somehow managed to turn the best, most talented team in the league into a champion? Wow! That's like marveling at the money management prowess of the Sam Walton heirs.
Do this: have Phil Jackson coach the Sixers to a championship this season, or the Utah Jazz. Heck, take them to the playoffs. But Phil won't do that. He never has and won't ever. Look at this amazing sundae! Ice cream, fudge, toppings, whipped cream...yummy...so delicious. Yeah...but what about when the guy came along and put the cherry on top? Then it really became something.
That's so Zen...
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