2010 NBA finals, the end for Phil Jackson?
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As the NBA Finals get underway beginning Thursday in Los Angeles, one of the storylines in this match up of two great rivals, Celtics versus Lakers, is regardless of the outcome, this could be the end of Phil Jackson's terrific run as coach of the Lakers.
A myriad of factors will weigh in on a decision that will largely be his alone to make, but at 64 and in the final year of a contract that compensates him to the tune of $12 this season, Jackson really has no new barriers to break.
He has won more championships, 10, than any other pro coach of a major sports league in the United States (including the NBA record held by the great Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics).
With this championship series, the Lakers' head coach matches another historic coaching milestone. Since 1991, Jackson has now reached 13 finals tying National Hockey League coach Scotty Bowman. Jackson did it with two teams the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers. In a career that stretched from 1968 to 2002, hockey's Bowman coached for the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings.
While Jackson still loves the game itself, the competitive aspects of the NBA and the growth and maturity of his team, the hectic traveling schedule of the NBA through an exhibition season, an 82-game regular season and the pressure-packed playoffs, takes a toll on a man in his mid-sixties.
Jackson reportedly has undergone two hip replacement surgeries since October 2006, and he missed games with pain and swelling in his legs associated with plantar fascitis. Jackson reportedly believes the frequent late-night flights during a season aggravate his condition.
There is also the high expectations of the fans and ownership that come with a franchise that has enjoyed a lot of success throughout its history.
But if this is indeed his last hurrah, will Jackson go out victorious? What will he and his coaching staff look to as keys to winning the NBA crown against Boston?
There are several factors.
For wily old Boston, there group defense will still be a key weapon. Throwing lots of bigs into the mix is something Los Angeles didn't see against the likes of Utah and Phoenix.
Their veteran trio of leaders Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have support in their old age, mostly in fellow vet Rasheed Wallace, still they can pick their spots to take over offensively (and they can) against anyone.
Coach Jackson's biggest concern is actually one of the Celtics smallest players. Lightning quick guard Rajon Rondo is the offensive leader of the Celtics.
Though the Lakers have stopped the likes of Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash to get here, it is Rondo's speed and style that creates havoc. All his slashing and dishing will require the likes of Kobe and Farmar more so than Fisher to try and slow him down. And anytime one can force Kobe into a more intense challenge on defense, that usually turns out to be an overall more productive result for the Lakers opponents.
Conversely, one of the Lakers' keys is to get Rondo out of rhythm. Fisher, with help from a solid rotating defense and mixing it up with coverage from Farmar and Bryant should be effective.
Here's where the addition of Ron Artest will be key and where coach Jackson has confidence in his defensive skills. Paul Pierce had a brilliant series in winning the title against the Lakers and that was in large part due to the fact Los Angeles had Vladimir Radmonovic trying to guard him. This will be Artest's biggest and most important test as a Laker. If he can personally neutralize Pierce, that will go a long way in getting Los Angeles a back-to-back title.
Of course the Laker bigs, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum have to contribute their share on both ends as Boston will likely try and concentrate their efforts on forcing Bryant to lean on his teammates with assorted double teams.
Averaging almost 30 points a game, and relatively healthy since his knee was drained, Bryant has been quicker and elevating higher matching his confidence level and playing just about the best he ever has in a long playoff history.
The key for Bryant, like it has been for a long time is to have the same level of confidence in his teammates and make the smart passes first then take the percentage shots when they open up. If Bryant forces it, he aids Boston big time.
But the wily team leader knows that and is too determined, too experienced and is playing too well to let this one slip away. Besides, Los Angeles is highly motivated to avenge their embarrassing loss to Boston from the last time they met in the NBA Finals, still sweet revenge will not come easily.
If Coach Jackson is successful in helping the Lakers win their 16th title in franchise history, will that be enough to lure him back as that would move Los Angeles to within one of the Celtics?
Is it just the end of his days with the Lakers or basketball all-together? Jackson, who will turn 65 in September, has been coy about his future.
There have been rumors the coach has been contacted by various teams including the Nets, Knicks (his team as a player), Cavaliers and Bulls (a team he coached to six titles). Jackson will decide after the season.
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