Phil Jackson is one of the most recognizable names in NBA history. He is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the league, having won 11 championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. But did Phil Jackson actually play in the NBA?
The short answer is yes – Phil Jackson did play in the NBA. He was a journeyman power forward who played for three teams over a span of 12 seasons in the 1970s and 1980s. Though he was never an All-Star or a star player, he was a key contributor on two championship teams and was respected enough to be named a coach of the NBA All-Star game in 1983.
Early Life & College Career
Phil Jackson was born in Deer Lodge, Montana in 1945. He attended the University of North Dakota and was an All-American on the basketball team. He was named a three-time All-Conference player and led the team to the NCAA tournament three times.
In 1967, Jackson was drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Playing Career
Phil Jackson played 12 seasons in the NBA. He started his career with the New York Knicks and was a key contributor on their 1969 and 1973 championship teams. He was a solid defender and rebounder for the team, averaging 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his six seasons with the Knicks.
In 1976, Jackson was traded to the New Jersey Nets. He had his best statistical season with the Nets, averaging 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He was a key player on the team and helped lead them to the playoffs in 1977.
Jackson then moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1979. He was a role player on the team and was a part of the 1982 championship team. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1980.
Coaching Career
Phil Jackson retired from playing in 1980 and began his coaching career with the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association. He quickly established himself as one of the top coaches in the CBA, leading the Patroons to two championships in three seasons.
Jackson then moved on to the NBA, joining the Chicago Bulls in 1989. He took over a struggling Bulls team and quickly turned them into a championship contender, leading them to six championships in nine seasons. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 1996.
In 1999, Jackson moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers and led them to five championships in 11 seasons. He retired from coaching in 2011 with a record 11 championships.
Legacy
Phil Jackson is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, and he is widely regarded as one of the best ever. He won 11 championships with the Bulls and Lakers and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is also one of the most influential coaches in the history of the NBA. His emphasis on teamwork and his use of the triangle offense revolutionized the way the game is played. His impact is still felt today, as many teams use variations of his triangle offense and focus on team-oriented strategies.
Did Phil Jackson Play in the NBA?
Yes – Phil Jackson did play in the NBA. He was a journeyman power forward who played 12 seasons in the league. He was a key contributor on two championship teams and was respected enough to be named a coach of the NBA All-Star game in 1983.
Phil Jackson’s Statistics
New York Knicks (1967-1976)
- 7.3 points per game
- 5.7 rebounds per game
- 2.2 assists per game
New Jersey Nets (1976-1979)
- 12.4 points per game
- 6.1 rebounds per game
- 2.6 assists per game
Philadelphia 76ers (1979-1980)
- 7.6 points per game
- 5.0 rebounds per game
- 2.2 assists per game
Phil Jackson’s Accomplishments
- 11-time NBA Champion (1969, 1973, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1996)
- Basketball Hall of Fame (2007)
- NBA All-Star Game Coach (1983)
Phil Jackson’s Impact on the Game
Phil Jackson had a huge impact on the NBA. He revolutionized the way the game is played with his emphasis on teamwork and his use of the triangle offense. His impact is still felt today, as many teams use variations of his triangle offense and focus on team-oriented strategies.
Conclusion
Phil Jackson is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. He won 11 championships with the Bulls and Lakers and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. But before he was a coach, Phil Jackson was a player. He was a journeyman power forward who played for three teams over a span of 12 seasons in the 1970s and 1980s. Though he was never an All-Star or a star player, he was a key contributor on two championship teams and was respected enough to be named a coach of the NBA All-Star game in 1983.