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http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3678096
All the faithful citizens of Sports America expect that Phil Jackson will use his interview during Thursday night's Game 1 to announce exactly what his plans are for at least the 2005-06 season.
Let me preface the following by saying that I've had no advance word from Jackson as to what he might, or might not say, and that my opinions are just that, my opinions.
That said, I firmly believe that Jackson should reveal his intention to sit out next season.
There are several external signs that point either to this conclusion, or else to the likelihood that Jackson won't make any commitment in any direction:
The grind of an NBA season might be enough to keep Phil Jackson out of the game. ( / Getty Images)
First off, NBA protocol demands that the announcement of a coaching hire always comes from the team in question. It would be presumptuous for Jackson to unilaterally announce his own employment. And one of the many things I've learned about Phil is that he is definitely not, in any way, shape, or form, presumptuous.
Secondly, Jerry Buss is still vacationing in Europe. One would think that Dr. B would want to be a highly visible and supportive presence at such a dramatic event as the return of Jackson to the Lakers' bench.
Moreover, the much rumored (and much anticipated) meeting between Jackson and Kobe Bryant has yet to happen. How, then, could Jackson ever recommit to coaching the Lakers without settling accounts with Kid Kobe?
Finally, since Jackson is a "closer", i.e., a coach who excels in taking underachieving teams and bringing them to a championship level, why would he want to waste his time with the dead-end Lakers' roster?
(Actually, with the lockout looming, look for a flurry of trades before the doors close for the summer. One quick way for the Lakers to clear roster space is to exchange a bench full of moderately paid players for one or mega-salary stars who are either unwanted or on their last legs. Perhaps Sam Cassell. Paul Pierce. Dajuan Wagner. Shawn Bradley. Adonal Foyle. Toni Kukoc. Michael Olowokandi. Allan Houston. Grant Hill. Or Jalen Rose.)
There are also more personal reasons why I believe Jackson should opt to remain a civilian:
In the recent past he's undergone an angioplasty (a Roto-Rooter heart procedure that inevitably requires re-doing at some point), a painful bout with a kidney stone (which he named "Kobe" because it wouldn't pass), and he's currently being troubled with chronic arthritis. Don't forget, too, that he's just about three months shy of his 60th birthday.
Photos ...
Monday's playoff action
Courtside celebs
Analysis...
Dime: Spurs or Pistons?
Kahn: 10 things you should know
Rosen: Ultimate finals breakdown
Hill: Study in contrasts
Kalb: Top 10 surprising heroes
<LI>Deveney: Playoff predictions Also...
Schedule | Scoreboard | Photos
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He's likewise made it known that the mere thought of enduring the interminable grind of a standard NBA season is not on his list of favorite pastimes. Any activity dealing with X's and O's-practices, video and skull sessions, as well as the games themselves, are still exhilarating. But not so the relentless traveling. The capricious referees. The bother over the state of a player's chest cold, hangnail, or "flu-like symptoms." To say nothing of wondering how a player's extracurricular social activities will influence his on-court effectiveness.
Also, having to deal with narcissistic players, know-nothing fans, and recalcitrant team officials are all perpetual headaches faced by every NBA coach. Not to mention the media, most of whom are living proof of one of Alexander Pope's most memorable bromides: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Besides, Jackson is thoroughly enjoying his absence from the game. In a forthcoming article in Men's Journal, he mentions his eagerness to avoid the "NBA trap." Indeed, the only enticement offered by the NBA is a high-level means with which to satisfy Jackson's virulent competitive urge.
He has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his days. (He continues to command huge sums to give motivational speeches to various groupings of CEOs.) He doesn't give a hoot about winning one more NBA championship than Red Auerbach. He doesn't take his own celebrity very seriously, and he'll submit to being in the spotlight only when necessary. He enjoys his beachfront digs in Los Angeles. His girlfriend lives down the street. He likes having the freedom to travel, and to be responsible only for himself.
In sum, Phil Jackson has been blessed (and has earned) the chance to live out his life on his own terms. The one remaining test facing Jackson is the same one that we must all encounter: The challenge of his own mortality.
And that's a full-time job description.
Charley Rosen, former CBA coach, author of 12 books about hoops, the current one being A pivotal season — How the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers changed the NBA, is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com. _____________________________________________________________
Maybe he might say he wants to coach teh Kings?
Who knows. His descion making is done.
All the faithful citizens of Sports America expect that Phil Jackson will use his interview during Thursday night's Game 1 to announce exactly what his plans are for at least the 2005-06 season.
Let me preface the following by saying that I've had no advance word from Jackson as to what he might, or might not say, and that my opinions are just that, my opinions.
That said, I firmly believe that Jackson should reveal his intention to sit out next season.
There are several external signs that point either to this conclusion, or else to the likelihood that Jackson won't make any commitment in any direction:
The grind of an NBA season might be enough to keep Phil Jackson out of the game. ( / Getty Images)
First off, NBA protocol demands that the announcement of a coaching hire always comes from the team in question. It would be presumptuous for Jackson to unilaterally announce his own employment. And one of the many things I've learned about Phil is that he is definitely not, in any way, shape, or form, presumptuous.
Secondly, Jerry Buss is still vacationing in Europe. One would think that Dr. B would want to be a highly visible and supportive presence at such a dramatic event as the return of Jackson to the Lakers' bench.
Moreover, the much rumored (and much anticipated) meeting between Jackson and Kobe Bryant has yet to happen. How, then, could Jackson ever recommit to coaching the Lakers without settling accounts with Kid Kobe?
Finally, since Jackson is a "closer", i.e., a coach who excels in taking underachieving teams and bringing them to a championship level, why would he want to waste his time with the dead-end Lakers' roster?
(Actually, with the lockout looming, look for a flurry of trades before the doors close for the summer. One quick way for the Lakers to clear roster space is to exchange a bench full of moderately paid players for one or mega-salary stars who are either unwanted or on their last legs. Perhaps Sam Cassell. Paul Pierce. Dajuan Wagner. Shawn Bradley. Adonal Foyle. Toni Kukoc. Michael Olowokandi. Allan Houston. Grant Hill. Or Jalen Rose.)
There are also more personal reasons why I believe Jackson should opt to remain a civilian:
In the recent past he's undergone an angioplasty (a Roto-Rooter heart procedure that inevitably requires re-doing at some point), a painful bout with a kidney stone (which he named "Kobe" because it wouldn't pass), and he's currently being troubled with chronic arthritis. Don't forget, too, that he's just about three months shy of his 60th birthday.
Photos ...
Monday's playoff action
Courtside celebs
Analysis...
Dime: Spurs or Pistons?
Kahn: 10 things you should know
Rosen: Ultimate finals breakdown
Hill: Study in contrasts
Kalb: Top 10 surprising heroes
<LI>Deveney: Playoff predictions Also...
Schedule | Scoreboard | Photos
More NBA coverage | Video
He's likewise made it known that the mere thought of enduring the interminable grind of a standard NBA season is not on his list of favorite pastimes. Any activity dealing with X's and O's-practices, video and skull sessions, as well as the games themselves, are still exhilarating. But not so the relentless traveling. The capricious referees. The bother over the state of a player's chest cold, hangnail, or "flu-like symptoms." To say nothing of wondering how a player's extracurricular social activities will influence his on-court effectiveness.
Also, having to deal with narcissistic players, know-nothing fans, and recalcitrant team officials are all perpetual headaches faced by every NBA coach. Not to mention the media, most of whom are living proof of one of Alexander Pope's most memorable bromides: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Besides, Jackson is thoroughly enjoying his absence from the game. In a forthcoming article in Men's Journal, he mentions his eagerness to avoid the "NBA trap." Indeed, the only enticement offered by the NBA is a high-level means with which to satisfy Jackson's virulent competitive urge.
He has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his days. (He continues to command huge sums to give motivational speeches to various groupings of CEOs.) He doesn't give a hoot about winning one more NBA championship than Red Auerbach. He doesn't take his own celebrity very seriously, and he'll submit to being in the spotlight only when necessary. He enjoys his beachfront digs in Los Angeles. His girlfriend lives down the street. He likes having the freedom to travel, and to be responsible only for himself.
In sum, Phil Jackson has been blessed (and has earned) the chance to live out his life on his own terms. The one remaining test facing Jackson is the same one that we must all encounter: The challenge of his own mortality.
And that's a full-time job description.
Charley Rosen, former CBA coach, author of 12 books about hoops, the current one being A pivotal season — How the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers changed the NBA, is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com. _____________________________________________________________
Maybe he might say he wants to coach teh Kings?
Who knows. His descion making is done.
