Challenges Faced by Phil Jackson: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Phil Jackson. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Phil Jackson is a highly decorated former NBA player and coach. He won two NBA championships as a player and a record-breaking 11 as a head coach. Known for his unique coaching style incorporating mindfulness and Eastern philosophies, Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to six championships (two three-peats) and the Los Angeles Lakers to five. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and named one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history in 1996. His 229 postseason wins and 13 conference titles further cement his legacy as one of the sport's most successful figures.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1969: Spinal Fusion Surgery

In 1969, Phil Jackson underwent spinal fusion surgery.

1995: Jordan's Return and Playoff Elimination

In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Bulls just before the playoffs, but they were eliminated by the Orlando Magic.

1997: Tensions with Jerry Krause

In the summer of 1997, tensions between Phil Jackson and Bulls general manager Jerry Krause grew, with Jackson not invited to Krause's stepdaughter's wedding.

2003: Playoff Loss and Clashes with Bryant

In 2003, the Lakers were beaten in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs, with Phil Jackson clashing with Kobe Bryant due to Bryant's distaste for Jackson's "triangle offense".

2003: The Last Season released

In the fall, Phil Jackson released "The Last Season", a book describing his point of view of the tensions that surrounded the 2003–04 Lakers team, which was pointedly critical of Kobe Bryant.

The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul

Check it on Amazon

June 18, 2004: Departure from the Lakers

On June 18, 2004, three days after the loss to the Pistons, the Lakers announced that Phil Jackson would leave his position as Lakers coach due to contract disagreements and tensions, as well as the belief that Kobe Bryant was favored by team owner Dr. Jerry Buss.

2004: Loss in the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons

In 2004, Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, ending their championship streak.

2004: Loss to the Pistons in NBA Finals

In 2004, the Lakers, despite being favored, were upset by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, marking Jackson's first loss in the Finals as a head coach in ten attempts.

2004: Lakers' struggles without Jackson

In 2004, without Jackson and O'Neal, the Lakers struggled and went 34-48, missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

2006: Playoff Loss to Phoenix Suns

In 2006, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to a seventh-seed playoff berth, but they lost in the first round to the Phoenix Suns, marking the first time a Jackson-coached team had failed to reach the second round of the playoffs.

March 2011: Jackson Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

In March 2011, Phil Jackson was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He informed the Lakers players in May and delayed his surgery until after the playoffs.

2012: Lakers Pass on Jackson, Hire D'Antoni

In 2012, after firing Mike Brown, the Lakers approached Phil Jackson to replace him. However, they hired Mike D'Antoni instead, favoring his fast-paced style over Jackson's triangle offense. Lakers fans chanted "We Want Phil!" at Staples Center during the lead-up to D'Antoni's signing.

January 7, 2015: Knicks Set Franchise Record with 13 Straight Losses

On January 7, 2015, the Knicks set a franchise record with 13 consecutive losses after losing to the Washington Wizards. This losing streak extended to 16 games.

June 28, 2017: Jackson and Knicks Part Ways

On June 28, 2017, the Knicks officially announced a mutual decision to part ways with Phil Jackson, reportedly due to his handling of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porziņģis. He was replaced by Steve Mills.