I probably would have no capability of absorbing a 60-defeat season as a coach. It would be a foreign experience. My whole career, even as a player, has been on winning basketball clubs and it just seems to have been a part of the make-up of whatโs been given me. Thatโs what Iโve been given and thatโs what Iโve had to deal with. Some people can make fun of it or some people can have a good time with it, or some people can resent it. Itโs just what it is.
Phil JacksonWhat moves me is watching young men bond together and tap into the magic that arises when they focus with their whole heart and soul on something greater than themselves. Once you've experienced that, it's something you never forget.
Phil JacksonI will have Derek Fisher wear all 5 of his rings the first time he comes in to talk to Carmelo.
Phil JacksonThe strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.
Phil JacksonKobe was hell-bent on surpassing Jordan as the greatest player in the game. His obsession with Michael was striking. When we played in Chicago that season, I orchestrated a meeting between the two of them, thinking that Michael might help shift Kobeโs attitude toward selfless teamwork. After they shook hands, the first words out of Kobeโs mouth were, โYou know I can kick your ass one on one.โ
Phil Jackson