Phil Jackson's reputation as an architect of NBA dynasties is unparalleled, having led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s and the LA Lakers to a three-peat in the early 2000s. His bold yet effective coaching style led many to believe he was the ideal candidate to coach Team USA for the 2000 Olympics in Australia. However, the Zen Master harbored reservations about translating his NBA success to the international arena.
Phil Jackson was certain he wasn't made to coach Team USA
As Jackson's time in Chicago was sure to conclude after the 1997-98 campaign, the vision to assemble to perfect national squad for the next Olympic Games was just commencing. The widespread sentiment was that Jackson, the most accomplished coach of that decade, would be an ideal fit.
Most impressively, many saw Phil as more than a coach who was concerned about perfecting the Xs and Os. Instead, he was a leader who was proficient in handling the egos of stars on a star-studded team.
Interestingly, while others showed faith in his capabilities, Phil had his reservations. He wondered if he could work the same magic with a team full of All-Stars in a short Olympic run as he did with the Bulls over an 82-game NBA season.
"I think philosophically and historically, I'm a little bit of a maverick over there," Jackson said . "I don't know if that's it or not. But they also understand I'm a private person in a lot of ways, and I have a style of coaching that's probably not applicable to short-term All-Star teams."
Jackson's assertions were somewhat bizarre
Furthermore, Phil also had another reason for his reluctance to coach Team USA. Looking back on Don Nelson's tenure and what he perceived as no fun, he cited the potential unnecessary strain internal competition could place on coaches.
However, regarding questioning his ability, an analysis of Jackson's success with short-term All-Star teams reveals a different perspective. He coached four All-Star teams brimming with talent: two during his time with the Bulls (1992 and 1996) and two during his tenure with the Lakers (2000 and 2009). Interestingly, the Zen Master lost only once.
Therefore, while he might have questioned his ability to achieve success with a team of superstars, his impressive resume indicated that he was more than capable of doing so.
Related: "His greatness will never be superseded" - Phil Jackson explains why LeBron James and Kobe Bryant could never surpass Michael Jordan
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