Phil Jackson Names Michael Jordan as His Greatest Player, Reflecting on Legacy with the Bulls and Lakers

Chicago, IL – NBA legend Phil Jackson has consistently championed Michael Jordan as the most impressive player he’s ever coached, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective on the greatest of all time debate. Jackson’s lengthy career with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers saw him amass an astounding 13 NBA championships, a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to cultivate winning teams. His detailed reflections now shed light on the qualities that solidified Jordan’s place at the pinnacle of the sport.

In 2001, during an interview, Jackson unequivocally stated:

“That is the best player I had, which I can consider the best player in the game.”

The statement, a cornerstone of the GOAT conversation, underscored Jordan’s unmatched dominance and leadership.

Further solidifying this belief, Jackson’s remarks in 2009, prior to Jordan’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, were equally emphatic:

“I don’t think anyone really touches what Michael has done for the game. Someone may break a record of him or win more championships … but Michael’s image as a player will always remain and his greatness will never be overcome.”

Jackson’s perspective extended beyond mere admiration, acknowledging Jordan’s unparalleled influence on the NBA and global sports landscape. He noted,

“It was perhaps the most recognized athlete in the world for a decade. He has taken the basketball game and the NBA at that level, he will never be eclipsed.”

Phil Jackson Compares Jordan to Kobe Bryant

Jackson’s coaching experience uniquely positioned him to compare two titans of the game: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He identified a key distinction:

“One of the biggest differences between the two stars, from my point of view, was Michael’s superior ability as a leader.”

Highlighting Jordan’s impact, Jackson elaborated,

“Although sometimes he could be hard with his teammates, Michael was a teacher to control the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence.”

Conversely, Jackson recognized Bryant’s dedication to self-improvement, observing,

“Kobe still had a long way to go before he could make that statement. He spoke well about leadership, but he had not yet experienced that raw truth deeply, as Michael had it.”

Despite these differences, Jackson acknowledged the profound respect Bryant held for Jordan, stating,

“I know that Kobe relied a lot in his conversations with Michael over the years. Michael has been very useful for him and I know that Kobe had great respect.”

Jordan’s Advantage Over LeBron James, According to Phil Jackson

In a more recent interview on the Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast in 2023, Jackson detailed why he considered Jordan held an advantage over LeBron James. He explained:

“It’s curious, you can’t take anything from any. They are absolutely incredible players.”

However, Jackson emphasized Jordan’s exceptional Finals record, stating:

“But the truth is that Michael went to six finals and won six championships. And it’s interesting … How many times did he have to go to a seventh game? Never. It never happened. We won at most in six games, ”

Comparing this to LeBron’s six Finals appearances and six losses, Jackson remarked,

“The reality is that this record is there and that is what happens in the races. The game changed, the players changed. The way they played also changed. But, without removing merits from any, the fact remains that Michael went to six finals and won six.”

Phil Jackson’s Unforgettable Run with the Bulls

Jackson’s journey began in 1987 as a technical assistant for Doug Collins in Chicago. Two years later, he ascended to head coach, ushering in an era that would redefine NBA dominance. Led by Jordan, Pippen, Paxson, Grant, and Cartwright, the Bulls secured three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993 – the famed “Triangle Offense” in full effect.

Following Jordan’s brief retirement, Jackson orchestrated a revitalized team incorporating Rodman, Kerr, and Kukoc, leading to two more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998 – culminating in the iconic “Last Dance.”

Success with the Lakers

Shifting to Los Angeles, Jackson rebuilt the Lakers dynasty, winning three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. These triumphs demonstrated Jackson’s adaptability and strategic prowess even in a different competitive landscape.

FAQ:

• What’s the significance of Phil Jackson’s statement about Michael Jordan? It solidified Jordan’s status as the best player he’s ever coached and one of the greatest of all time.
• How many championships did Phil Jackson win as a coach? He won a total of 13 NBA championships – two as a player and eleven as a head coach.
• How does Jackson differentiate Jordan and Kobe Bryant? Jackson highlighted Jordan’s superior leadership qualities and his ability to control the emotional climate of a team.

Interactive Element: Did You Know? Did you know that the Chicago Bulls’ three-peat (1991-1993) is considered one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history?

Call to Action: What do you think? Is Michael Jordan the GOAT, or do you have a different opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!