Photo credit: Steve Lipofsky www.Basketballphoto.com
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Tonight’s Episode: Phil Jackson & Michael Jordan

To be honest, I hardly knew Phil Jackson. It was always Michael Jordan - Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan first joined the Bulls in 1984. He was the NBA Rookie of the year in 1985.

In 1987, Jackson was hired as an assistant coach by the Chicago Bulls under Doug Collins. He promoted to head coach in 1989. Jackson and the Bulls made the playoffs every year, and failed to win the title only three times.

Before Phil Jackson became coach, people were already talking about Michael Jordan. I wasn’t a Chicago Bulls fan & as far back as I can remember, every time I turned around, Jordan was making shots, slam dunking, and winning. He jumped high up in the air. When I think of air Jordan, I think of him & not the basketball shoes. Michael Jordan - Michael Jordan! I said, “This man doesn’t ever loose.”

I don’t remember seeing Phil Jackson that much. Scottie Pippen along with Michael Jordan played an important role in transforming the Bulls into a championship team and popularizing the NBA around the world during the 1990s. But though Pippen was there, all I could see was Michael Jordan. All I ever heard was his name.

However, Phil Jackson had to be a great coach. Jackson was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, leading them to six NBA championships. He then coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2004 & again from 2005 to 2011; the team won five league titles under his leadership. Jackson’s 11 NBA titles as a coach surpassed the previous record of nine set by Red Auerbach.

I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to EPS.