Phil Jackson enshrined as a coach in 2007

Phil Jackson

Enshrined 2007

Born: September 17, 1945
Deer Lodge, MT

Intellectual, spiritualist, maverick, athlete, coach - Phil Jackson is equal parts all five. But while Jackson was a modestly successful player in the NBA, it is as a coach that he leaves his footprint on the history of the game. Installing the complex triangle offense and employing a coaching philosophy heavily influenced by Native American and Eastern philosophy, Jackson has been at the helm of not one, but two of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Over nine seasons Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998). From there, he went to Los Angeles where he guided the Lakers to three straight titles (2000, 2001, 2002). With nine NBA titles he is tied with the legendary Red Auerbach for first on the all-time list. He is the fastest coach in NBA history to reach 900 wins. In 1996 the Chicago Bulls, under Jackson, posted the best regular season record in NBA history at 72-10, and he was named NBA Coach of the Year. At the time of his enshrinement, Jackson was the NBA's career leader in playoff victories and playoff winning percentage. Jackson won an NBA title as a player with the New York Knicks in 1973 and later claimed a CBA title and Coach of the Year honors with Albany in 1984.