It is unclear at this point whether Phil Jackson wants to come back as a General Manager or as a Coach. But one thing is clear, he does want back in the league. There were rumors last week that the Raptors and Cavs were interested in his services, and now there is speculation that if Jeannie Buss takes control of the Lakers, Jackson could even end up back on the bench or a GM position in LA.
In a somewhat related rumor this week about Phil Jackson and his coaching prowess, the OC Register reported a story about the real reason Phil Jackson left the bench in the first place. Apparently he had prostate cancer.
But the surprises in the story didn’t just stop there. Phil Jackson has always been known as the master manipulator motivator of players. According to the reports, in the 2011 playoffs when the Lakers were seeking a third straight title, and their hopes were being diced by the Dallas Mavericks, Phil Jackson sprung it on the team that he had prostate cancer. His hope was that the news, although shocking, would unite the team and reignite their energy and efforts to win.
Kevin Ding of the OC Register (login required):
Jackson decided to divulge his situation to his players when he sensed the team was lacking something in the playoffs.
“Shocking,” Pau Gasol said Saturday, remembering Jackson’s disclosure to the team. “But then you also could understand certain moments of his demeanor, energy and involvement because of what he was going through health-wise. It explained certain things. It was a shock. A difficult moment for the team.”
This story, if true, is also telling about Jackson’s current health situation. If he is so adamant about making a comeback his prostate cancer must have been surgically removed and in remission. Great news for one of the greatest coach of all time.
