The dominance of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a> during their golden era under Phil Jackson remains one of the most unforgettable periods in NBA history. Yet, fans rarely know what happens behind the scenes—especially when it involves stars like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan.



Scottie Pippen’s relationship with his superstar teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> and former Bulls head coach Phil Jackson has always been complicated. Pippen once admitted he was never particularly close with either of them, a revelation that surprised many given the team’s incredible success together.



Now Jackson has addressed those remarks, revealing that he was stunned to hear how Pippen truly felt about their time in Chicago. Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show to promote “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> and Its 75 Legendary Players,” a book he co-authored with Sam Smith, the legendary coach shared his side of the story.



“I was an assistant coach when Scottie came into the league,” Jackson recalled. “I played with him and against him one-on-one and tried to help his game a little bit. I was big in promoting Scottie because, at first, he was coming off the bench. When Doug Collins got thrown out of a game and I had to sub in as coach, the first thing I did was put Scottie in and increase the pressure defense. He was one of the best defensive players to ever play the game, and I had a lot of admiration for him.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1980" height="1080" data-id="316698" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251107_BUS_522535_jorda-pippen-1_90950a5e.webp&amp;width=1980&amp;height=1080" alt="Former players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls." class="wp-image-316698" sizes="(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px"></figure><figcaption>Former players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls.</figcaption></figure>
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Jackson continued, emphasizing his respect for Pippen’s abilities. “I had a lot of contact with him and always thought highly of his contribution on both ends of the floor,” he added.



<h2>Pippen’s personality and Jackson’s perspective</h2>


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Jackson</a>’s comments also reflected how much he valued Pippen as a player. When he became the Bulls’ head coach, he immediately put more responsibility on the power forward, giving him a larger role within the team’s system. However, from Jackson’s perspective, Pippen’s personality may have prevented their relationship from growing stronger.



“He was the on-court guy I always alerted,” Jackson explained. “Defensive strategies would go through him—double teams, traps, adjustments. I’d blow the whistle and say, ‘Hey, Scottie, it’s time.’ So yeah, it was shocking to hear the comments he made.”



Under Jackson’s leadership, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Pippen</a> averaged 19.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game from 1989 to 1998. He shot 48.4% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. Yet, his defense truly set him apart—recording 713 blocks and 1,680 steals across 754 games under Jackson’s watch, numbers that helped define the Bulls’ dynasty era.

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The greatest NBA teams are often defined by their dominance in their respective eras, and for many, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a> of the 1990s stand at the very top. Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson, that dynasty remains one of the most celebrated in sports history.



Pippen has never held back when discussing his feelings about Michael Jordan or Phil Jackson. In a recent interview with Marca, the Chicago Bulls legend admitted that his relationships with both men were never truly close, despite the dynasty they built together.



“It’s never been on the top shelf. That’s the nature of the business. I mean, I was like that with Phil Jackson, but we’re not tight anymore, neither. So it’s just a part of life and cycles that we go through,” Pippen said.



For fans who grew up watching the Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s, the comment may sting. Pippen and Jordan together formed one of the most iconic duos in sports history, winning six <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championships under Jackson’s leadership. Yet the bond that many assumed was unbreakable has long since faded.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1980" height="1080" data-id="316698" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250925_BUS_498519_jorda-pippen-1_5a536c11.webp&amp;width=1980&amp;height=1080" alt="Former players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls." class="wp-image-316698" sizes="(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px"></figure><figcaption>Former players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>Why there’s no friendship</h2>



According to John Salley, who briefly played with both stars, the friendship between Pippen and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> ended in 2004. The distance between them became especially evident during and after the documentary The Last Dance.


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The series reopened old wounds. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Pippen</a> was unhappy with how he was portrayed and criticized Jordan for hogging the spotlight. Their last recorded conversation happened shortly after the documentary aired, and their relationship has remained fractured ever since.



<h2>Jackson’s perspective</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Phil Jackson</a>, too, has had a complicated relationship with Pippen. While the coach praised his unselfishness and versatility during their championship run, he also acknowledged Pippen’s darker side.



Jackson once described how Pippen could be a model teammate most of the year, but on rare occasions, slip into a “dark place” that affected the entire locker room. Over time, even their bond seems to have faded.

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When discussing the greatest head coaches in NBA history, two names inevitably make the list: Steve Kerr, for his ongoing legacy with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a>, and the legendary Phil Jackson, who led the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan’s reign. Kerr, who played under Jackson during Chicago’s second three-peat, recently reflected on the invaluable lessons he learned from the Hall of Fame coach.



Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently offered a rare, in-depth look at the cultural foundation behind Phil Jackson’s famed triangle offense — and it had far less to do with X’s and O’s than most might think.



Appearing on The Glue Guys podcast, Kerr explained that the triangle wasn’t merely a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> system. Instead, it was a living embodiment of Jackson’s personal philosophy, built on authenticity, connection, and a distinctive cultural influence that shaped every player’s role on the floor.



“He was so smart and so dialed into what makes a team go,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/steve-kerr">Kerr</a> said. “He’s the only guy I’ve ever run into who built an offense based on a culture. The triangle offense was based on the fact that all five guys touched the ball on every possession.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="242491" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250809_BUS_469270_phil-jackson_f35eb07d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-242491" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>NBA legend Phil Jackson.</figcaption></figure>
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“His feeling was that the ball movement connected the group, and that’s why he wanted to run that offense,” Kerr added. “I’d never heard of that before, never made that connection before. I thought you just ran plays. But he was so advanced and brilliant — just an amazing coach.”


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That authenticity directly informed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Jackson</a>’s basketball philosophy. Unlike most coaches, who designed offenses purely for efficiency or to maximize star power, Jackson’s triangle offense was deliberately crafted to foster unity among his players.



The system ensured that all five players handled the ball on nearly every trip down the court. For Jackson, that ball movement wasn’t just a tactical advantage — it was a means of connecting the group on a deeper, more personal level.



By making sure everyone was involved offensively, Jackson cultivated trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. That cultural cohesion proved just as essential to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Bulls</a>’ dominance as the brilliance of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.

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Warriors’ Steve Kerr reveals the offensive cultural legacy left by legendary Bulls coach Phil Jackson - Bolavip US

Throughout NBA history, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have been home to a roster that includes some of the league’s most iconic legends. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have left an indelible mark on the league. For many players, joining the Lakers represents a golden opportunity to shine in one of the league’s biggest markets. Recently, even a former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> champion confessed to regretting not playing alongside a Lakers legend.



“I’ve often wondered what playing with (<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>) would’ve been like. Beside (Bryant), you know? What would we have been like? If playing with (Paul Pierce) was like this, then playing with (Bryant) would’ve been like what?,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Garnett</a> said, via GQ.



Although Kevin Garnett did not refer to winning more championships, he claimed victory just once, securing the 2008 title with the Boston Celtics. If he had joined Kobe Bryant in LA, he likely would have won more, since the Lakers’ legend captured five championships. His comments highlight the strong legacy Kobe left in the NBA as a symbol of hard work and dedication.



Furthermore, Kevin Garnett said he was close to joining the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview with Dan Patrick, he explained the reasons why he rejected his arrival to the historic franchise. “What’s disturbing about the whole Lakers situation was just Kobe (Bryant) and Phil (Jackson) at the time. They were at each other pretty bad, and a new situation full of uncertainty wasn’t something that I wanted to get into,” as reported by CBS News in 2011.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250722_BUS_445522_kobe-bryant-1-1024x559_e4d56c56.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Lakers legend Kobe Bryant" class="wp-image-403675" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Kobe Bryant #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on October 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How did the Kobe Bryant–Phil Jackson feud start in Los Angeles?</h2>



In the 2003-04 season, the Lakers were defeated 4-1 by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. However, not only did they lose the championship, but it was the beginning of the rift between Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. In his book ‘Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success’, the legendary head coach confessed the reasons behind the breakup.


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“The Kobe incident triggered all my unprocessed anger and tainted my perception of him… It distorted my view of Kobe throughout the 2003-04 season. No matter what I did to extinguish it, the anger kept smoldering in the background,“ he wrote. In addition, Phil confessed that this incident was very personal to him because his daughter had gone through a similar episode.



Despite Phil Jackson’s departure from the franchise at the end of the 2003-04 season, he returned for the 2005-06 season. During his comeback, both stars reconciled and went on to secure two more championships. Had the Kobe-Phil feud never occurred, there was a possibility that Kevin Garnett could have joined the team, allowing him to play alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant.

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Former NBA champion admits he regrets never playing alongside a Lakers legend

The 2004 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are often remembered for featuring one of the most iconic duos in NBA history—Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal at the height of their powers. However, what is often overlooked is the immense challenge of managing two larger-than-life personalities on the same roster. Head coach Phil Jackson attempted to do just that during a turbulent season, marked as much by internal conflict as it was by basketball excellence.



In his 2004 book The Last Season, Jackson provided a candid and often scathing look at the Lakers’ 2003–04 campaign, which ended in disappointment despite a trip to the NBA Finals. While the Lakers reached the league’s biggest stage, their season was plagued by dysfunction, inflated egos, and simmering tension. Nowhere was that more evident than in the fractured relationship between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Bryant</a> and O’Neal—two generational stars who had previously delivered three straight championships to Los Angeles.



Jackson didn’t hold back in expressing his frustrations. Though he acknowledged the on-court brilliance of both players, his reflections painted a portrait of chaos behind the scenes. O’Neal, Jackson noted, was a dominant physical presence, but also emotionally vulnerable. “For all his bravado, Shaq is a very sensitive, fragile soul who appreciates any sign of tenderness,” Jackson wrote. He emphasized that despite criticism of O’Neal’s perceived lack of durability, few understood the toll of carrying a 340-pound frame night after night.



Still, Jackson admitted to being exasperated by O’Neal’s unwillingness to play through pain and his inconsistent conditioning habits—issues that repeatedly frustrated the Lakers’ coaching staff. For all his size and skill, Shaq’s preparation often lagged behind his potential, creating rifts within the locker room and tension with coaches.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="242491" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250706_BUS_433605_phil-jackson_33e7c496.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-242491" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184133/phil-jackson-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>NBA legend Phil Jackson.</figcaption></figure>
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Even as Jackson sought to shield <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">O’Neal</a> from critics, not everyone on the staff was as forgiving. Assistant coach Tex Winter, one of the architects of the triangle offense, frequently clashed with O’Neal. Winter criticized Shaq’s footwork and questioned his coachability, suggesting the All-Star center relied too heavily on dunks and raw power rather than refining his fundamentals.


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The tension reached a boiling point during one team film session, when O’Neal erupted in anger, cursing at Winter in front of the entire roster. When <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Jackson</a> confronted O’Neal about his behavior and urged him to apologize, the center’s response underscored the depth of the discord. “I know I’m not doing the right thing,” Shaq said, “but I don’t give a f***.”



Ultimately, the 2003–04 Lakers represent a case study in what happens when elite talent clashes with unmanageable egos. Despite their skill, Los Angeles fell short of a title that season, and the fallout led to O’Neal being traded to Miami. Jackson’s firsthand account remains one of the most revealing insider perspectives on the volatile nature of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> superteams.

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Phil Jackson sets the record straight on Kobe Bryant and Shaq’s dynamic during their time together on the Lakers - Bolavip US

Michael Jordan cemented his legacy as an NBA legend with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a>, dominating in one of the league’s most physical eras under head coach Phil Jackson. He led the league in scoring a staggering 10 times and captured six NBA championships. His relentless drive and unmatched skill earned him five MVP awards. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael</a> once singled out one of them for a surprising reason.



“This caps off a very maturing season for me and certainly a very educating one. This was by far one of the most trying seasons for me mentally… I’ve had a lot more problems to deal with away from basketball than in past years. They weren’t major problems… my life wasn’t threatened… but it was something different to deal with. I guess that’s why this award is more important and different than the other two years,” Jordan said in 1992, as per the Chicago Tribune.



During the 1991-92 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season, Michael Jordan played 80 games for the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. His all-around performance earned him his third MVP award. This came in the midst of a controversial season where he made headlines off the court as well. One of the notable incidents was when Jordan refused to attend the White House to celebrate the 1992 championship.



When the media questioned him about his absence, he responded sharply. “It’s none of your business,” Jordan said, according to the Chicago Tribune. Later, during media day, Michael provided more context for his actions. He explained that his flight was delayed and that he was not in a good mood. Then, the Bulls’ icon clarified why he chose not to attend the White House visit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250528_BUS_406278_Michael-jordan-2-1-1024x559_9a212ee4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Michael Jordan in press conference (1997)" class="wp-image-406282" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27203558/Michael-jordan-2-1-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27203558/Michael-jordan-2-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27203558/Michael-jordan-2-1-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27203558/Michael-jordan-2-1-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27203558/Michael-jordan-2-1.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>10 Jun 1997: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls speaks reporters during a practice before a playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.</figcaption></figure>



“When the team came to us about going to the White House, I already had plans set and I didn’t feel it was fair to change plans at that particular time…It wasn’t my intention to disrespect anyone, but I’ve seen George Bush before. I don’t think he was different from the last time I met him,” explained Jordan, as reported by The Chicago Tribune.


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<h2>Phil Jackson praised Michael Jordan’s development in MVP season, as Bulls head coach in 1992</h2>



Although Michael Jordan did not match the statistics of his 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons, he still averaged 30.1 points per game. He became a more well-rounded player, evolving beyond just a scorer. This growth came despite criticism from fans, who argued his performance had dropped compared to previous years. However, his head coach, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phil Jackson</a>, recognized Jordan’s evolution as a player.



“More than ever this year, he deserves it because of what he’s been able to do, take some points off his scoring and figure out how to help this team in different ways, some not even statistical, and become a better player overall than ever before. And still carry us when we have to have him. It’s the most auspicious award that you can receive in this league, and to win it back to back has to be tremendously sweet for him,” Jackson said, via Sun Sentinel in 1992.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> dominated the 1990s, winning six championships and building one of the most iconic dynasties in NBA history. While the players earned most of the praise, Phil Jackson elevated the franchise and transformed it into a consistent winner. Before his arrival, the Bulls had never won a single championship. Michael Jordan was the undisputed star of that roster, leading the charge on and off the court. Yet he confessed to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phil Jackson</a> who the second-best player was on that legendary 1992 team.



In a July 2010 interview with the NBA, legendary head coach Phil Jackson shared a revealing moment. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jordan</a> told him, right after returning from the 1992 Olympics, that Scottie Pippen was the second-best player on Bulls’ roster. That statement came with weight, considering the roster’s talent. 



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pippen</a>’s transformation from forward to guard marked a turning point in his career. He embraced the new role with intensity and precision. As a result, he secured his place on the team. Moreover, he became a crucial piece on defense for that legendary squad.



This confession still feels surprising today because the two players never had a strong relationship. Even, Scottie Pippen said Michael Jordan was difficult to deal with, and he revealed they never had dinner together. However, Pippen made it clear they respected each other. Their personal bond was not strong, but their connection on the court told a different story. Both played crucial roles in making the Bulls one of the most dominant teams of their era.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250524_BUS_404337_GettyImages-73357983-1-1024x576_267cbcf8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Scottie Pippen of the Chicago team celebrates after sinking a half-court shot in the Haier Shooting Stars Competition during NBA All-Star" class="wp-image-352066" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/09222419/GettyImages-73357983-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Scottie Pippen of the Chicago team celebrates after sinking a half-court shot in the Haier Shooting Stars Competition during NBA All-Star </figcaption></figure>



“People knew he (Scottie) was a pretty good sidekick to Michael, but all of a sudden, they were starting to recognize that he was a legitimate star in his own right who had really developed over the prior three to four years. He wasn’t just an active, defensive small forward anymore. He was a player who could excel at three, if not four, positions. He was a real force on our team in that regard and Michael recognized that,” affirmed Jackson to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> on 2010.


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Scottie Pippen often gets overshadowed by Michael Jordan’s legendary presence on the Bulls’ roster. While Pippen never posted jaw-dropping stats, his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor were undeniable. Even so, his value remains underappreciated. Former NBA player Craig Hodges offered a bold perspective on Pippen’s role, going as far as to draw a surprising comparison to Jordan himself.



“I think he was better than MJ, just from a natural standpoint. You’re 6’7” with the same components, but not only is your right hand big, your left is that big too, you know what I’m saying? And you’re finishing with both equally like that… The difference was the level of confidence coming out. And so much, when we look at it, think about it: if you think about how many guys you played with, so much was given to them that it added to their confidence,” stated on All The Smoke podcast.

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Phil Jackson, Former Bulls’ head coach, reveals who Michael Jordan saw as second-best on the 1992 roster - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phil Jackson</a> is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s all-time great coaches, having led the Chicago Bulls to dominance in the 1990s and the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple titles in the 2000s. Coaching legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman came with its own set of challenges, especially when it came to managing strong personalities.



Among the most talked-about figures during Jackson’s tenure with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulls</a> was Rodman. Known for his eccentric behavior and outspoken personality, Rodman made headlines both on and off the court. His unique way of expressing himself often clashed with NBA norms, presenting a challenge Jackson had to navigate when Rodman joined the team.



Reflecting on that period, Jackson revealed an unexpected insight about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dennis-rodman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodman</a>‘s arrival in Chicago. Despite Rodman’s stellar performances with the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, his behavior raised concerns at the time.



In the 1997 documentary Reflections of a Dynasty, which featured interviews with Jordan and Pippen, Jackson shared that ahead of the 1995–96 season, he compiled a secret list of seven players he believed could help the Bulls win another championship, Rodman included.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250519_BUS_400812_Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-1024x576_ba000e36.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman" class="wp-image-400845" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19123610/Phil-Jackson-and-Dennis-Rodman.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson hug during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts.</figcaption></figure>



“I put down on paper seven guys who I thought could help us out. He (Rodman) was the seventh at the bottom of that list,” Jackson recalled in 1997, reflecting on one of the most dominant dynasties in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history.


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<h2>Why Jackson put Rodman last on his list</h2>



Rodman’s arrival in Chicago generated mixed reactions among fans. Known as much for his controversial behavior as his on-court talent, Rodman carried a reputation that gave many, Jackson included, reason for pause.



“It had nothing to do with his talent,” Jackson clarified, speaking about the list he compiled to strengthen the Bulls ahead of the 1995-96 season. “I didn’t have anything against Dennis. It was simply because of what he brings with him.” Despite those concerns, Jackson would later call Rodman’s signing one of the best decisions of his Bulls tenure.



Jackson also admitted that the trade only went through because it was kept quiet at first. He believed Jordan and Pippen might have opposed it if consulted early. “We would have never made the move without checking first with Scottie [Pippen] and Michael [Jordan],” he said.



<h2>How Rodman adjusted to the Bulls</h2>



With superstars like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen already leading the team, Rodman’s integration into the locker room was no small feat. But Jackson understood what was needed.







“We could handle a distraction and a personality like Dennis,” he said. Rodman proved his value quickly, leading the team with 14.9 rebounds per game in his first season in Chicago.



<h2>Rodman’s impact on the Bulls</h2>



In just three seasons with the Bulls, Rodman left a lasting legacy. He led the team, and the league, in rebounding during each of his three years in Chicago: 1995-96: 14.9 RPG; 1996-97: 16.7 RPG; and 1997-98: 15.0 RPG.



Rodman played a crucial role in Chicago’s second three-peat, helping the Bulls win NBA titles in 1996, 1997, and 1998. His defensive presence and dominance on the boards were instrumental to the team’s success.

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NBA legend Phil Jackson shares unexpected insight on Dennis Rodman’s arrival to the Chicago Bulls - Bolavip US

NBA legend Phil Jackson shares unexpected insight on Dennis Rodman’s arrival to the Chicago Bulls

NBA legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Phil Jackson</a> is widely regarded as one of the greatest head coaches in league history. He won 11 NBA championships while coaching superstars like Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. That’s why, when he weighs in on the GOAT debate or anything related, his opinion carries serious weight.



Having coached the best of the best in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan</a> and Bryant, Jackson is well positioned to highlight what set them apart. Both players won championships and posted legendary stats, but according to Jackson, there’s one key area where Bryant had the edge over MJ.



Speaking on the Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast two years ago, Jackson pointed to Bryant’s mastery of the Triangle Offense as a defining difference. “He was the focal point, and it was easy to get him involved in that. He feasted on it and was always a proponent of it,” Jackson said.



Jackson added, “But we had to use a variety of actions that created opportunities because the game changed.” With that, he emphasized Bryant’s impact on the Lakers teams of the 2000s, highlighting how the five-time champion led Los Angeles to back-to-back titles in that era.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250513_BUS_396774_phil-jackson-1024x576_50881ef8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-242491" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NBA legend Phil Jackson.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jackson reflects on Kobe Bryant’s evolution</h2>



Over the years, Bryant’s style of play became increasingly effective, playing a key role in the Lakers’ success. Reflecting on that period, Phil Jackson shared his thoughts on the moment when Kobe proved he had transformed into a different kind of player in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>.


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“Kobe started out as a guard who facilitated the offense, and he figured it out because he was a brilliant basketball mind,” Jackson said. “He liked playing that role. Eventually, he transitioned to the Michael Jordan wing position, where he did most of his scoring later in his career.“



Jackson’s insights on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryant</a>’s evolution, and how he handled egos within the team, proved crucial during his second stint as Lakers head coach. With a legendary career on the sidelines, Jackson’s vision and leadership helped shape the direction of the NBA in the years that followed.



<h2>Jackson on Bryant’s unique perspective</h2>



Thanks to the strong bond forged between Jackson and Bryant, the Hall of Fame coach revealed a unique quality Kobe displayed throughout his career with the Lakers. According to Jackson, Bryant had an ability to perceive things that others couldn’t, something that set him apart from the rest.



“You know how they say dogs can see things humans can’t? Kobe was kind of like my little pocket bully,” Jackson said. “He’d be growling at the staircase, and I’d be looking up like, ‘What’s he seeing?’ Then I’d start thinking, what if there really is something there?”


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NBA legend Phil Jackson explains why Kobe Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan in one key area - Bolavip US

NBA legend Phil Jackson explains why Kobe Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan in one key area

Imagine making a single decision in your career, one that changes everything. For Los Angeles Lakers legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaquille O’Neal</a>, one such decision became one of his biggest career regrets, especially during the era when NBA coaching icon Phil Jackson was at the helm.



A defining moment in O’Neal’s career came in the early 2000s. He was in peak form, having already earned MVP honors and a Rookie of the Year award in the 1990s. But one decision from that period remains his biggest regret to this day.



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jackson</a> as head coach, O’Neal played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ success. He led the league in field goal percentage across multiple seasons and was instrumental in guiding the team to three straight NBA championships from 1999 to 2001. But following that historic run, O’Neal faced a difficult personal decision—one centered around a nagging toe injury.



In his autobiography, Shaq Uncut: My Story, O’Neal opened up about choosing to focus on his toe issues rather than pushing for a potential four-peat with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a>. It was during that time that Jackson approached him, and O’Neal later admitted it was the biggest regret of his career.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250422_BUS_382514_phil-jackson-1024x576_e8877647.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-242491" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/phil-jackson.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NBA legend Phil Jackson during his second tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Shaquille O’Neal reveals the biggest regret of his career</h2>



In his book, O’Neal opened up about a pivotal conversation he had with then-head coach Jackson. Jackson urged him to undergo a more serious procedure on his toe to prolong his playing career. “He told me, ‘If you get this done right, you can play until you’re forty.’ I wish I had listened to him,” O’Neal wrote.


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“Jackson was pushing me to have the more involved surgery,” O’Neal recalled. “He could tell my toe was so painful and stiff that it was affecting my lift, and I was putting too much strain on the rest of my body.“



<h2>Why O’Neal chose a less invasive option</h2>



Despite Jackson’s advice, O’Neal revealed the real reason behind his decision. “I was too nervous about being out for six months, especially since the Lakers were stalling on the extension we had been negotiating,” he explained. “So I went with the surgery that would keep me out just three months.”



That decision marked the beginning of the end of his time with the Lakers. It wasn’t just the surgery itself, but the timing of it that played a major role. Looking back, Shaq believes that if he had followed Jackson’s guidance, he could have extended his career by several more years.



<h2>Shaq’s final seasons with the Lakers</h2>



O’Neal spent only two more seasons with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a> following the surgery. Though he remained a dominant presence, his performances didn’t match the towering standards fans had come to expect from him.



After returning to the lineup, these were the stats he posted in his final season in Los Angeles:



<ul><li>Games Played (GP): 67 &nbsp;</li><li>Minutes Per Game (MPG): 36.8</li><li>Points Per Game (PPG): 21.5</li><li>Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 11.5 &nbsp;</li><li>Assists Per Game (APG): 2.9</li><li>Steals Per Game (SPG): 0.5</li><li>Blocks Per Game (BPG): 2.5</li><li>Field Goal Percentage (FG%): .584</li><li>Free Throw Percentage (FT%): .490</li></ul>


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Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal reveals his biggest career regret during Phil Jackson’s time as HC - Bolavip US

Shaquille O’Neal reveals his biggest career regret during Phil Jackson’s time as HC

Both the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed glorious eras under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phil-jackson">Phil Jackson</a>’s coaching. He led both franchises to countless titles, assembling unforgettable teams that dominated the NBA for years. Drawing on the knowledge from his years of experience, the legendary coach shared his thoughts on who he considers the greatest player of all time.



“That’s the greatest player I ever had, that I could consider the greatest player in the game,” Jackson stated about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> in a 2001 interview, making it clear that MJ was the most impressive player he had ever seen, even above his then-player with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant, as well as other past stars.



However, this wasn’t the only time Phil referred to Jordan in such terms. In 2009, prior to the induction of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a> legendary guard into the Basketball Hall of Fame, the coach said: “I don’t think anybody will ever really touch what Michael has done for the game. They may be able to break a record he had or maybe win more championships… But Michael’s image as a player will always stand and his greatness will never be superseded.”



On Jordan’s place in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history and sports in general, Jackson was clear. “He was perhaps the most recognizable athlete in the world for a decade,” he stated. “That he brought the game of basketball and the NBA to that level will never be eclipsed.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250406_BUS_370911_michael-jordan-7-1024x576_9ffc8579.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-316656" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/18192938/michael-jordan-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls looks on during an NBA game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Phil Jackson compares Jordan to Kobe</h2>



Jackson has the unique distinction of having coached two of the greatest players in NBA history, Michael Jordan and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a>. With both, he won multiple NBA championships, giving him the perspective needed to compare their respective strengths.


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“One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael’s superior skills as a leader,” wrote Phil in his 2013 book Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success. “Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence.”



In contrast, Jackson noted about Bryant: “Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim. He talked a good game, but he’d yet to experience the cold truth of leadership in his bones, as Michael had in his bones.”



Nonetheless, Jackson has also spoken about the relationship between the two superstars. “I know that Kobe has relied on his conversations with Michael over the years,” he explained. “Michael has been very helpful to him and I know Kobe has a great respect for Michael.”



<h2>Jordan’s edge over LeBron James, according to Phil Jackson</h2>



One of Phil Jackson’s more recent comments on the GOAT debate came during an interview on the Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast in 2023. There, the legendary coach explained why, in his view, Jordan holds an advantage over LeBron James. “You know, it’s a funny thing, you can’t take anything away from either player. They’re absolutely terrific players,” Jackson began.



“You can only turn to the fact that Michael went to the Finals six times and won six championships. And it’s kind of funny, how many 7-game Finals series did Michael have to go to? He never did, it never happened. We won in six at the most,” Phil added. This marks a significant difference from LeBron, who, despite winning 4 titles, has lost 6 Finals.



“The reality is that the record stands and that’s what happens in careers. The game has changed, and the players have changed. How the game has been played has also changed,” Jackson reflected. “So, you know, take nothing away from either player, it’s still a fact that Michael went to the Finals six times and won six championships.”



<h2>Phil Jackson’s remarkable career with the Bulls</h2>



Before becoming one of the greatest coaches of all time, Phil Jackson had a successful career as a player. He was a forward for the New York Knicks for eleven years, winning two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. He later played for the New Jersey Nets, where he finished his career in 1980.



Jackson arrived in Chicago in 1987 as an assistant coach under Doug Collins. However, after two years, he was promoted to head coach, beginning the journey that would elevate him to the pinnacle of the league. With Michael Jordan as the star, supported by players like Scottie Pippen, John Paxson, Horace Grant, and Bill Cartwright, the Bulls won their first three titles between 1991 and 1993.



After Jordan’s brief retirement from basketball between 1993 and 1995, the Bulls rebuilt, keeping Pippen and adding new figures like Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, and Toni Kukoc. They went on to achieve another three-peat from 1996 to 1998, which ended with the famous Last Dance.



<h2>The Lakers were also successful with Phil Jackson</h2>



A year after his time with the Bulls ended, Phil Jackson took on a new challenge: leading the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> to a championship after more than a decade without one. He succeeded, securing three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002 with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Without Shaq, the Lakers won two more championships in 2009 and 2010.



With 13 NBA championships, two as a player and eleven as a coach, Phil Jackson cemented his place as one of the greatest legends in league history. He is often mentioned as the greatest coach of all time and has been in the Basketball Hall of Fame since 2007.


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Bulls and Lakers legend Phil Jackson names the greatest NBA player of all time - Bolavip US

When discussing the greatest coaches in NBA history, two names that always come up are Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. Jackson was the first coach to win three consecutive championships, while Riley holds the NBA record for most Coach of the Month honors with 11. But according to the Los Angeles Lakers legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">Shaquille O’Neal</a>, Jackson’s style of leadership has an edge over Riley’s.



Having played under both coaches—Jackson with the Lakers and Riley with the Miami Heat—Shaq is in a unique position to compare their approaches. On a recent episode of The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, O’Neal broke down why he believes Jackson’s style was more effective.



“I actually did my dissertation on this duality of leadership styles between humor and seriousness,” Shaq began. “Pat was serious. All the way serious. And what I realized when I was doing my research is, you can’t be 100% one way.”



He continued, “So I’m going to give Pat 90/10—90% serious and 10% humorous. Phil Jackson was probably about 70/30, 70% humorous and 30% serious. Both styles can be effective, but I think in the long run, if you have a little bit more humor, you can get more done.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240923_BUS_239133_shaq-2-1024x576_6643509f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-231123" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/shaq-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/shaq-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/shaq-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/shaq-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/shaq-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Pat Riley of the Miami Heat chats with Shaquille O’Neal #32 during a break. Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Shaq added, “Pat was serious. After that first year we won, as I was celebrating, he was sitting there not letting us out early, saying, ‘You better get back here and get to the gym.’”


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<h2>Shaq explains feud with Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert</h2>



During an episode of The Big Podcast, Shaq addressed his recent comments about Minnesota Timberwolves center <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rudy-gobert">Rudy Gobert</a>, clarifying that it’s not personal but rather rooted in frustration over the pay disparity between modern players and past legends.



“When I made the comments about Rudy Gobert, people think it’s personal,” O’Neal explained. “But yeah, it’s personal for guys like David Robinson, who only made $116 million in his career. Fabulous player, Hall of Famer. Kareem? The most he ever made was $3 million. Patrick Ewing? $112 million. Bill Russell? $100,000. Just play hard. You’re making $250 million. That’s all I’m saying.”





Shaq went on to say that while his comments may seem harsh, his goal is to motivate Gobert. “For example, with Rudy Gobert, y’all think it’s personal,” Shaq said. “I’m just trying to pump him up. But from the way he responds, I can tell there’s some truth in what I’m saying.”

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NBA News: Lakers legend Shaq claims Phil Jackson’s style was more effective than Pat Riley’s - Bolavip US

It had been a while before the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-the-trade-that-could-send-klay-thompson-to-the-lakers-20220511-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> rose back to prominence. Unfortunately, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/charles-barkley-reveals-never-told-secret-about-kobe-bryant-20220302-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant’s</a> final years weren’t exactly successful, and the 2010 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA championship</a> was nothing but a distant memory.
Then, LeBron James took his talents to Hollywood, and hope arose again. Injuriesderailed his first yearbut he led them to the NBA Finals and their 17th championship in just his second season.
James’ presence helped them get <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-3-potential-trade-destinations-for-anthony-davis-20220415-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Davis</a> and turned them into a contender right away. Nonetheless, Phil Jackson would still rather keep Russell Westbrook and trade LeBron instead.
<h2>Lakers Rumors: Phil Jackson Would Rather Trade LeBron James And Keep Russell Westbrook</h2>
“I’ve heard that Phil would like LeBron traded,” Lakers insider Bill Plasche said.“I’ve hust heard that. But I’ve got no on the record stuff to back that up. I do know that Phil would like them to keep Westbrook and try to make things work with him.”
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Westbrook had arguably the worst season of his career, and fans in L.A. didn’t seem to care for him. Even so,The Zen Masteris still sold on him and believes he can find success in Southern California.
 
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<h2>Phil Jackson Continues To Have A Lot Of Power In The Lakers</h2>
Jackson is still quite close to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and has a big influence on the team’s decision-making. Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, he’s been a bit of an outside consultant for them:
“This is very much a committee in L.A. putting together this coaching search,” Woj revealed. “And one person who is certainly significantly involved in this process is Phil Jackson. He’s got a voice in this.”
“He did last time when they hired Frank Vogel. He and Kurt Rambis. He had been somebody they had considered with the Knicks before hiring Derek Fisher in New York… They’re moving deliberately,” Woj added. “They’re not doing seven or eight or nine candidates all at once. They’re kind of going down a list and taking their time with it. I think that process is going to take a bit.”
 
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Jackson is one of the greatest coaches in NBA history and deserves plenty of respect as such. But after the mess he made in New York, maybe Jeanie Buss should know better than to let him have such extensiveinput in these kinds of things.

NBA Rumors: Phil Jackson wants to trade LeBron James and keep Russell Westbrook

NBA Rumors: Phil Jackson wants to trade LeBron James and keep Russell Westbrook - Bolavip US

On an unsurprising note, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-russell-westbrooks-future-with-lakers-may-hinge-on-expert-opinion-20220505-0021.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>owner <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/was-kobe-bryant-willing-to-sign-with-the-los-angeles-clippers-20210420-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeanie Buss</a> has once again turned to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/how-many-nba-championships-did-phil-jackson-win-20201001-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phil Jackson</a> for advice. Apparently, the legendary coach has a big input in all the decisions made by the organization.
Jackson’s ties with Buss are obvious. Besides being a former Lakers coach, they were engaged until 2016. Also, Jackson holds a close relationship with Kurt and Linda Rambis, both of whom also have great influence on Buss.
But as great as a coach as Jackson was, his work with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-trade-rumors-donovan-mitchell-and-3-all-stars-knicks-could-target-20220422-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Knicks</a> front office was nothing short of a disaster. That’s why multiple analysts believe the Lakers shouldn’t seek advice from him when it comes to finding a new coach.
<h2>J.J. Redick Rips The Lakers For Seeking Phil Jackson’s Advice</h2>
Former NBA player J.J. Redick wasn’t surprised to hear about Jackson’s input in the Lakers’ coaching search. Per the sharpshooter, it’s just the Lakers doing what they’ve been doing for years now:
“The idea that they’re going to bring in Phil Jackson to help with the coaching search, given his record as an executive in New York, and with the hires he made – again it’s a pattern of behavior,” Redick said. “It fits in their pattern of behavior. Other teams are not going to fall susceptible to that.”
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<h2>Stephen A. Smith Says Lakers Are ‘The Biggest Idiots’ If They Listen To Phil Jackson</h2>
Stephen A. Smith was way blunter than his colleague. The controversial pundit put the Lakers on blast and reminded them of the disaster Jackson left after his brief, yet infamous tenure with the Knicks:
“If they were looking for a new general manager or a new president of basketball operations, I would call the Los Angeles Lakers franchise the biggest idiots on the planet,” Smith said. “Because Phil Jackson should never be allowed to be an executive again. A matter of fact, I’m still so salty about the job he did in New York. I’d prefer that he’d be banned from New York. I don’t think he should be allowed in the state. That’s how bad of a job he did.”
<h2>Some Inside The Lakers Organization Aren’t Happy About Jackson’s Influence</h2>
Needless to say, not everyone is happy to hear that theZen Masteris pulling the strings behind closed doors. Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, some within the organization don’t like how Buss handles these situations:
“Make no mistake, there are powerful people close to the Lakers who aren’t thrilled with the reality that Jackson’s voice is being taken into account when he has no formal position with the franchise,” Amick reported.
“Like it or not, though, Buss has relied on this sort of informal counsel from people she trusts for years now,” Amick added. “That was the case with Kobe Bryant before his passing and had everything to do with the choice to hire his former agent, Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, in February 2017.”
 
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At the end of the day, Buss will continue to run the team the way she feels it’s better, and Jackson will continue to have leverage there. Hopefully, it’ll turn out for the best for the purple and gold.

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JJ Redick, ESPN analysts rip Lakers for seeking Phil Jackson's advice

JJ Redick, ESPN analysts rip Lakers for seeking Phil Jackson's advice - Bolavip US

Fueled by the revolutionary Triangle Offense, Phil Jackson is perhaps the greatest coach in <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> history. His two dynasties with the Chicago Bulls and<a href="https://us.bolavip.com/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers </a>are the ultimate cover letter.
That’s why James Dolan and the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/new-york-knicks-t92326" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Knicks</a> thought he’d be the perfect guy to fix the mess they had gotten into. They hired him as an executive and instead, he tried to impose his system on coach Derek Fisher and mishandled his personnel as well.
The biggestissue from The Zen Master’stime at the Madison Square Garden was clearly his poor relationship with Carmelo Anthony. He didn’t get along with the team’s biggest star and pretty much turned the media and the narratives against him.
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<h2>Phil Jackson Says Carmelo Anthony Didn’t Know How To Be A Leader</h2>
And now, years after their backs-and-forths, Jackson finally admitted in an interview for the Curious Leader podcastthat he didn’t care for Carmelo and thought he wasn’t much of a leader:
“Carmelo, I think, wanted to be a leader, but I don’t think he completely knew how to be a leader as a player. And I think that the strength of his personality was intimidating to some of the coaches that were asked to coach the team. And so there wasn’t this compliance that has to happen between players and coaches. And as much I tried to interject my own beliefs, I don’t think you’re close enough to the ground in that situation to really be effective in dictating how things are going to be done,” Jackson said.
 
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<h2>Jackson Says He Was Looking Forward To Trading Carmelo</h2>
Phil added that he wanted to trade away Carmelo Anthony for years but his no-trade clause made it impossible to do it and that it hurt the team’s flexibility, pretty much blaming him for theirstruggles:
“I wanted to trade Carmelo and … he’s got a no-trade clause that they asked for, but I suggested that if there was a situation—and I asked them to trade, I wanted them to be compliant with it. And you can have all your choices that you want but I want you to go along with the idea that maybe your time has come with being with the Knicks. So that was met without compliance,” he concluded.
 
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While Anthony’s tenure at the Big Apple was far from stellar, he was still mistreated by Phil Jackson and the media. He was always the fall guy and that narrative eventually robbed him of a year of his career.

Phil Jackson blasts Carmelo Anthony, blames him for the Knicks' struggles

Phil Jackson blasts Carmelo Anthony, blames him for the Knicks' struggles - Bolavip US

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