Mark Jackson has been fired after three years as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Jackson had a 121-109 record in his first head coaching position in the NBA. The rumors that Jackson would be released have been swirling around the Warriors organization since the waning weeks of the regular season.
The Warriors 51 regular season wins are the most the organization has seen in 22 years. Last year Jackson guided Golden State to the teams first playoff series victory since the 2006-07 season. The decision to release Jackson was not basketball related. Jackson was let go due to differences with the front office. The divorce is truly a shame, Jackson has helped cultivate the careers of numerous players on the Warriors roster. He is a players coach that is not afraid to go to war for his team.
Stephen Curry has developed into one of the best point-guard's in the NBA under the tutelage of Jackson. Curry plays with the same cockiness his coach embodied during his 17 year playing career. He also played an intricate roll in the development of Draymond Green and Clay Thompson.
Jackson played for Rick Pitino, Larry Brown, Larry Bird, Jeff Van Gundy and Jerry Sloan during his days as a floor general. To question his knowledge of the game would be foolish.
He has had his share of run-ins as a coach. He reassigned assistant coach Brian Scalabrine to the Developmental League last season due to irreconcilable differences. There was also an issue with Jackson traveling back and forth to his church. Jackson may have brought some of his troubles upon himself. Whatever the case may be, he certainly didn't deserve the boot after producing winning results far from what the organization is accustomed to.
Jackson has ties to the New York area. He starred at Bishop Loughlin High School, attended St. Johns University and was selected with the 18th pick of the 1987 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He was a leading candidate to get the Knicks job when Donnie Walsh was still calling the shots. Phil Jackson will likely pass on Jackson. Phil is looking for someone who is an extension of himself from the front office.
Knick fans may scowl at this this, but Jackson may be the perfect fit in Indiana if Frank Vogel is let go. The Pacers are young, talented and immature. Jackson has the type of personality as a coach that would challenge the Pacers. He has ties to the front office in Indiana. He led the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2000.
Mark Jackson has proven he deserves a head coaching job in the NBA.
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