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NBA: Best player and coach pairing from each team’s history

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES - MARCH 2: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 2, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 106-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 2: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 2, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 106-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best coach/player pairing in Chicago Bulls history: Michael Jordan & Phil Jackson

It doesn’t get more iconic than this. Two of the greatest of all-time, Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson are a monster of a duo.

Jackson’s coaching methods have become notorious. The guru of basketball, Jackson understood how to bring the best out of each player he coached. Dubbed the “Zen Master”, Jackson practiced many different techniques of meditating with his team to unlock their full potential.

Of course, it helps when you have Michael Jordan on your team. In the 1990s, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six championships (two three-peats) and racked up enough accolades to compete with any NBA legend.

In the 90s, Jordan earned seven All-Star and All-NBA selections. In addition to this, he won six Finals MVPs and four regular season MVPs. At the end of this run, Jordan retired as the GOAT in almost everyone’s eyes.

With Jackson on the sidelines to aid Jordan through any adversity, the Bulls were on top of the basketball world. A perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals gives MJ and Phil a flawless resume together.

Even without Jordan for two seasons, Jackson managed to keep the Bulls in championship contention. With Scottie Pippen leading the charge on the court, the Bulls fell short of reaching the Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons.

Jackson won his sole Coach of the Year Award in 1995-96 when Jordan made a triumphant return from retirement and helped kick off the Bulls second three-peat of the decade. They barely missed a beat as the two began dominating the league once again.

There is no question that Jackson and Jordan are a historic duo. In fact, some may argue they are the best to ever do it.