Is Michael Jordan the greatest NBA player of all time? That's a question that legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson tackles in his new book, Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players. Co-authored with sports writer Sam Smith, the book delves into the lives and careers of the stars who shaped the sport.
One name that stands out is Michael Jordan, the iconic player whom Jackson coached to an impressive six NBA championships. Jackson reflects on Jordan's resilience, saying, "What made Michael so admired was his ability to take the hits and keep going. Even when players were playing four games in five nights, which is no longer the norm, he could perform at his peak on that fifth night, just as hard as he did on the first."
But success in the NBA isn't solely about physical stature, as Smith points out. Shaquille O'Neal, at 7 feet 1 inch, was so physically dominant that he could have been the best player ever, but his Lakers teammate, Kobe Bryant, had a different approach. "Kobe took the game seriously because he lacked the physical talent. His hands weren't as big as Jordan's, and he couldn't palm the ball and dominate like that. He was always in the gym, early in the morning and late at night, working tirelessly."
In an interview, Jackson and Smith discuss the dynamics of their book and the players they've worked with. Jackson shares his approach to building trust with Michael Jordan, saying, "Asking for favors puts you in a different position. It creates a power dynamic, and when you want to influence someone, you don't want that barrier. I've always felt that's important as a leader and coach."
Smith, known for his 1991 book The Jordan Rules, which revealed aspects of Jordan's personal life, including gambling and bullying, shares his philosophy: "I never wrote anything that would hurt their lives. Basketball was fair game, but their personal lives were off-limits. Michael loved being challenged. I'd say, 'Mr. Star, you missed six of your last eight free throws,' and he'd respond, 'I'll show you,' and make the next 12. That's what the greatest players thrive on."
The interview also covers Jackson's experience coaching Kobe Bryant. Jackson notes, "He's very sensitive and doesn't take criticism lightly. He didn't want to be compared to Michael, even though his game emulated him. He even mimicked Michael's physical movements, influenced by Come Fly With Me, a video of Jordan's heroics."
When Kobe joined the Lakers, Jackson gave him a lead guard role, which evolved into a role similar to Michael Jordan's, giving him more freedom. Jackson helped Kobe grow into a leadership role, encouraging him to connect with his teammates and providing him with books on leadership. "He became a great leader and took it to heart," Jackson says.
The interview also touches on Jackson's relationship with Kobe in the weeks before his tragic death. "We talked about the good times, his kids, and his coaching of a girls' basketball team. His legacy lives on through the young players who emulate his hard work and competitiveness."
Jackson also shares his experience coaching Dennis Rodman, known for his "bad boy" reputation. "Dennis was a team player, likable by his teammates. He loved passing the ball and doing the dirty work. His inability to stay focused was something I recognized in juveniles."
In conclusion, Jackson reflects on his time in the NBA, saying, "It's been a privilege to be around such talented people, to play with champions, and to coach players who were unselfish, cooperative, and competitive. It's been a wonderful journey."
Heidi Saman and Anna Bauman produced and edited this interview, with Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, and Meghan Sullivan adapting it for the web.
