Phil Jackson, a legendary figure in the world of professional basketball, has worn many hats throughout his illustrious career. He began as a power forward, playing 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA),where he won two NBA championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973.
As a coach, Jackson made an indelible mark on the game, serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, during which time he led the team to six NBA championships. He then took the reins of the Los Angeles Lakers, coaching the team from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2011, and led them to five more NBA championships.
Phil Jackson's impressive résumé boasts a total of 13 NBA championships, surpassing the previous record of nine set by Red Auerbach. He also holds the NBA record for the most combined championships, winning a total of 13 as a player and a coach.
Throughout his coaching career, Jackson was known for his innovative approach, which drew inspiration from Tex Winter's triangle offense and Eastern philosophy, earning him the nickname "Zen Master." He was heavily influenced by Robert Pirsig's book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," which played a significant role in shaping his life and coaching philosophy.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Jackson has also written several candid books about his teams and basketball strategies. In 2007, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 1996, he was named one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history as part of the league's 50th anniversary celebrations.
After retiring from coaching in 2011, Jackson joined the New York Knicks as an executive in March 2014, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.
