Some years ago there was some rumoring that due to his health struggles Phil Jackson was angling the Lakers to coach home games only. At the time I was on board with the idea because let’s face it a part-time PJ is better than a full-time Erik Spoelstra.
Now comes word the Jackson is trying to pull the same routine with the Orlando Magic. This time around it’s not in a coaching capacity though. Those days are over for Phil. Instead this is the continuing saga that is Orlando’s flirtation with roping in Jackson to work the Magic front office.
Last week it was reported that Jackson had passed on the opportunity to run the Magic. Today Sports Illustrated ran a story claiming the two sides haven’t part ways just yet.
The SI reports claims that Jackson would be “working” from home while Brian Shaw would assume the head coaching gig. Oh, yeah…and PJ is looking for a piece of the franchise too.
Hey, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed so I can’t fault Jackson for asking. Nothing is ridiculous until you get a “no”. Must be nice to have such respect from the hoops world that you can demand working from home while also owning a small piece of an NBA franchise.
Go ahead, Phil. Why not ask for royalties off any endorsement deals Dwight Howard lands as well?
Gotta wonder if PJ kept a straight face when he mentioned any of this. You’ve also gotta wonder if Orlando is this desperate that they’d settle for an absentee leader.