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The Last Dance: Phil Jackson was a true player’s coach

By Alexander Trataros

Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson (C) yells at his team 29 May during the first half of game six of his teams NBA Eastern Conference finals game against the Indiana Pacers at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, IN. The winner of this series will take on the Utah Jazz in the NBA finals staring 03 June. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson (C) yells at his team 29 May during the first half of game six of his teams NBA Eastern Conference finals game against the Indiana Pacers at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, IN. The winner of this series will take on the Utah Jazz in the NBA finals staring 03 June. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The Last Dance
The Last Dance (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) /

Jackson & Jordan

As the series unfolds, we see that Michael Jordan was a difficult talent to manage. A true “Type A” personality, Jordan constantly wanted to win and nothing was going to get in his way. But for seven seasons, he was unable to make it to the promised land: to win the Larry O’Brien trophy.

It wasn’t until Phil Jackson became the head coach of the Bulls that Jordan was able to win the title.

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At first, Jordan wasn’t a fan of Jackson. Mainly because Jackson believed in the philosophy of sharing the rock and creating space (the Triangle Theory) while Collins insisted the ball constantly be in Jordan’s hands. Jordan was resistant to the triangle system because for so long it was engrained into his mind that he was going to be the savior.

Jordan helped UNC win a title and turned the Bulls around from being the leagues laughing stock. So it’s understandable that Jordan would think that he had to be the guy.

Yet, as much as Jordan wanted to resist changing his habits, through patience, education, and personal connection, Jackson ultimately gained Jordan’s trust to play team ball and was eventually able to implement the triangle system.

Because of Jackson, Jordan learned that having the ball all the time was detrimental to the Bulls because teams could just design their defense to stop Jordan. But utilizing team basketball, Jordan and the Bulls were able to blossom and become six-time champions.

Jackson got Jordan to understand that he wanted to win and succeed. Jackson was able to change from the player from saying, “I’m not passing to Bill Cartwright, I’m taking the last shot” to “look for the open John Paxson”.

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