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 successful American former NBA player and coach, renowned for his record-breaking 11 NBA championships as a head coach. He won two championships as a player. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Jackson is celebrated as one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history (1996). He also holds records for most postseason wins (229) and conference titles (13).

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 and did not play during New York's 1969-70 championship season.

1990: Loss to the Detroit Pistons

In 1990, the Chicago Bulls, coached by Phil Jackson, lost to the Detroit Pistons in the conference finals.

1994: Loss to the New York Knicks

In 1994, Phil Jackson's Chicago Bulls faced the New York Knicks in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive time, with the Knicks winning in seven games. This marked the third straight time that Jackson faced off against Pat Riley.

1995: Playoff Elimination by Orlando Magic

Despite Michael Jordan's return shortly before the 1995 playoffs, Phil Jackson's Chicago Bulls were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the conference semi-finals.

1997: Tension Between Jackson and Jerry Krause

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

1998: Departure After Final Title

After securing the Bulls' final title of the Jordan era in 1998, Phil Jackson left the team, vowing never to coach again due to tensions and the impending rebuild.

2003: Loss in the Second Round

In 2003, Phil Jackson's Lakers were beaten in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs. There was also a public tension between Bryant and O'Neal, along with clashes between Jackson and Bryant.

June 18, 2004: Lakers Announce Jackson's Departure

On June 18, 2004, the Lakers announced that Phil Jackson would leave his position as Lakers coach after seeking to double his salary. The departure was attributed by some to Kobe Bryant's wishes, though all parties denied any explicit demand. O'Neal indicated that the franchise was pandering to Bryant with Jackson's departure, leading to O'Neal's trade to the Miami Heat and the end of the "Trifecta".

2004: Loss to the Detroit Pistons in NBA Finals

In 2004, Phil Jackson's Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, ending their hopes for another championship.

2004: Lakers' struggles post-Jackson and O'Neal

In 2004, without Phil Jackson and O'Neal, the Lakers shifted to a faster-paced style. Injuries impacted the team, leading to a 34–48 record in the 2004-05 season and missing the playoffs. Rudy Tomjanovich resigned as coach mid-season, fueling speculation about Jackson's return.

2006: Lakers' Playoff Berth and First-Round Exit

In 2006, Phil Jackson led the Lakers to a seventh-seed playoff berth. The Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round, taking a 3–1 lead, but the Suns won the series. It marked the first time a Jackson-coached team failed to reach the second round.

2008: Lakers Reach NBA Finals Against Celtics

During the 2007-08 season, the Lakers obtained Pau Gasol, and with him and Bryant, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to the 2008 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Boston won the series 4–2, handing Jackson and the Lakers their worst playoff loss ever in Game 6.

2012: Lakers Approach Jackson After Brown's Firing

In 2012, after firing Mike Brown, the Lakers approached Phil Jackson. However, they hired Mike D'Antoni instead, preferring his fast-paced style over Jackson's triangle offense, despite fan chants for Jackson.

January 7, 2015: Knicks Set Franchise Losing Streak Record

On January 7, 2015, under Phil Jackson, the Knicks set a franchise record with 13 straight losses after falling to the Washington Wizards. This streak was extended to 16 games, contributing to a franchise-worst record of 17–65 for the season.

June 28, 2017: Jackson and Knicks Part Ways

On June 28, 2017, the Knicks announced a mutual decision to part ways with Phil Jackson. The parting was speculated to be due to Jackson's attempted buying-out of Carmelo Anthony and his public strife with Porziņģis. Steve Mills replaced Jackson.