Scot Pollard Calls Phil Jackson Overrated

It didn't take long for the Phil Jackson haters to come out after the Los Angeles Lakers were ousted by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA playoffs. Scot Pollard, formerly of the Sacramento Kings and other NBA squads, voiced his opinion on the all time championship coach.

“Oh man. I just think he’s one of the most overrated coaches of our time. He’s only had the greatest players of our era on his teams. Put him in charge of the Sacramento Kings this year, and I don’t mean to offend Sacramento fans, but put him on a team with no Hall-Of-Famers on it at least no one that has established themselves as a Hall-Of-Famer already, put him as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers right now and let’s see how he does next year with no Hall-Of-Famers on the team. That’s all I’m saying.



I respect his championships, I respect his ability to get egos in line and get them in the same direction, but I just think he’s overrated because he’s only had the greatest players of our generation.


All I’m saying is I would like to see Phil Jackson coach a team that doesn’t belong in the playoffs. … I think if you put him in charge of a team without at least one or two future Hall-Of-Famers on it and I’m not sure he’s going to get you a championship ring. I doubt that.”

I see where Pollard is coming from on this subject and has a good argument. When Michael Jordan had his two year hiatus, the Chicago Bulls were competitive but not a true championship contender. On the other hand they weren't thought of as a true contender until Jackson got to Chicago. You can also argue that    

Phil Jackson Not A Fan Of The Way The Heat Plays

Count on Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson to stoke the fire before a game. The Lakers play the Miami Heat tonight and Jackson told reporters that he's not a fan of their style of play. This isn't the first time Jackson has taken shots at the Heat. Jackson questioned Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's job security earlier this season.

Jackson said the Heat rely on 1-on-1 basketball and likened it to an X-Box video game. I partially agree with that because the offense really revolves around Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. My problem with Jackson is why can't he concentrate on his own team.

“I’m not a big fan of the style that Miami plays,” Jackson said. “I like to see everybody involved in the game.”


It's easier to get everyone involved when you've coached cold blooded assassin's (Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan) and a one man gang (Shaquille O'Neal). Everyone just has to fit into their role and embrace it. The Heat haven't figured out who will play what role. It would also help to have a decent point guard and center.

“I think that’s really important to basketball,” Jackson said. “That’s what I’m trying to preach as a basketball coach, even though we have a guy that dominates the ball in Kobe (Bryant). Their basketball is very much standing with Xbox games or whatever those games are. Basketball’s not a 1-on-1 game. It’s a team game.”


When you have Kobe, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom it can make being a coach a lot easier.

The Heat don't play team ball and never will. Jackson has earned the right to criticize any team in the NBA and anyone with a brain realizes that. Even if the Heat played team ball they don't have what it takes to win an NBA Championship. They don't have a center or point guard not to mention a bench.


The reality of the situation is that LeBron quit on the Cavs in the Celtics series and that is his nature and it won't change. Wade and LeBron don't fit without a point guard that is a great ball handler, passer and defensive skills that demand their respect. That point guard is in Boston. Even with this being said there simply isn't enough basketball's on the court at one time and thats why Bosh is crying. Miami would have been better off with just the acquisition of Bosh. Sometimes less is better. Bosh would have complimented Wades's game. LeBron takes away from his game. Maybe Derrick Rose knew something we didn't, even though he says he never said he didn't want to play with LeBron.


 

Phil Jackson Calls The Pistons Incident A 'Black Eye' For The NBA

Since when did Phil Jackson become the great sympathizer about the plight of the NBA. Earlier this week Jackson was telling reporters that th Sacramento Kings should stay in Sacramento, although his statement seemed a little slanted toward not having to share a part of the Los Angeles market with another team.

Jackson is now sympathizing with Detroit Pistons head coach John Kuester. Kuester has had to put up with a player mutiny and the image of Tracy McGrady laughing at his ejection from last night's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson called the "mutiny" a 'black eye' for the NBA.

"I feel badly for John Kuester," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "I think it's a black eye for the league. I know Detroit is in disarray right now at some level. You worry about a coach and, you know, his psyche after something like that happens."


I've seen Jackson be a backhanded sympathizer but he looks to be pretty genuine this time around. In do feel a little sorry for Kuester, but i believe he was never the man for the job to begin with.

Quote Of The Week: Phil Jackson

You know Phil Jackson is known for a lot of slick talk. Here's what he said about the team's rookies. And you know he never plays rookies.

"We like them as people, it's just that they're inexperienced...and have no purpose on earth".

Nice way to build confidence in your young players Phil.