Former Bulls’ Coach Phil Jackson Inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

Former Chicago Bulls’ coach Phil Jackson was the first Bulls player, coach or executive inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last week. Jackson, a former New York Knicks player, who currently coaches for the Los Angeles Lakers, is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA. Jackson built his reputation during his time coaching for Chicago, from 1989-1998. The coach led the Bulls to six NBA titles and has recently led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles. Plenty of Jackson’s friends, family and fans were present at his induction into the Hall of Fame. His kids, grandkids, ex-wife, and girlfriend were there to support him, and he was introduced by his former teammate and roommate Bill Bradley, along with longtime coach and friend, Tex Winter.

Of his life with basketball Jackson says, “Basketball has been an adventure. My basketball life, like me, became more family and togetherness, the long nights in North Dakota driving 200 miles on icy, two-lane roads to play basketball, the CBA (coaching and driving the van), coaching in Puerto Rico summers, it all gave me the background and the endurance to stick with it with great support from my family.” Jackson has been coaching for 25 years and is the all-time NBA leader in winning percentage in the regular season and playoffs. Jackson was a counterculture rebel in the 1970’s who was mostly ignored by the NBA until Jerry Krause gave him a chance as an assistant for the Bulls in 1987. Jackson will return to the court this year for the final season of his three-year $30 million contract with the Lakers.

See Jackson and the Lakers take on his former Chicago Bulls when you get your Chicago Bulls tickets at StubHub.com.