[Amick] Phil Jackson: "[Rockets] have a chance to be in the Finals"

clutz · Mar 2, 2014

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...rning-los-angeles-lakers-jeanie-buss/5945745/

Q: I noticed that (Houston Rockets general manager) Daryl Morey was the first guy to greet you after your panel yesterday, and it made me wonder if that situation might not intrigue you. You wanted to coach Dwight in LA, and it made me wonder if you might not be involved in that situation at some point. What's your outlook on Houston?

A: They're playing well. They're starting to play really well together, and it's a chemistry thing that's starting to connect with them. Dwight was able to do things to people he could manhandle in the post early on, and he'd have good games or so-so games. But now the coordination between he and (Rockets small forward Chandler) Parsons — those guys are starting to get it and to know how to use him and to know how to play in what they're trying to do now, passing well out of it and getting three points shots. You know, a lot of people say they don't see them in the Finals in the West but I think they have a chance to be in the Finals in the West.

You know, they may have a young guy at (power forward), but with (backup center Omer) Asik back they might be able to start putting a lot of things together where there will be both Asik and Howard on the floor. And in the NBA playoffs, after the first game or so everything becomes halfcourt. And then it's (about) who can grind it out and defend. And when you've got big defenders, this may be an opportunity for them to really step through that to another level. They had a good run last year against Oklahoma — didn't win, but they pressed them. And now with Dwight there, they're looking for things to go forward a little bit. I think we've all wanted to see Dwight develop a really good post-up game, and I just saw his left hand come back, he started shooting again where it looked like his left hand was back. That's been one of his strengths, where he's been able to hold off with his right and shoot with his left — that's been one of the things he's doing well now again. So I like to see that. And I think it takes a long time to get over the type of back injury he had, and I think the Lakers weren't patient. I don't think our fans understood. I had spinal fusion, a back operation, and I know that I spent one year playing a backup role and it was difficult for me. And then after that one year of kind of getting back and getting my legs underneath me and getting a comfort zone and mobility back again, I had better years. The next three years were much better for me in my career. And I think that's going to happen to Dwight. So I encouraged Daryl.

Q: He has been playing out of his mind. The last month, it looks like the Orlando Dwight.

A: Exactly. Yeah.

Q: So considering the narrative on (Rockets coach) Kevin McHale has been that people wonder how long he wants to coach, do you have intrigue with that situation? I have to admit wondering that maybe you look at that like a do-over from what didn't happen in LA with Dwight.

A: (Laughs). No, I. I'm sorry. I mean. Um, no. I don't (pauses). I like that. That's funny. I've got a (phone) call at 10 (a.m.) — how am I doing at time?
Click to expand...

Carl Herrera · Mar 2, 2014

So...

Amick: What about Houston?
Phil: [Gives detailed and positive analysis of the team and of its star center]
Amick: So you interested in coaching them?
Phil: Oh, no, no.... Ugh... I gotta go.

basketballholic · Mar 2, 2014

Q: I noticed that (Houston Rockets general manager) Daryl Morey was the first guy to greet you after your panel yesterday, and it made me wonder if that situation might not intrigue you. You wanted to coach Dwight in LA, and it made me wonder if you might not be involved in that situation at some point. What's your outlook on Houston?

A: They're playing well. They're starting to play really well together, and it's a chemistry thing that's starting to connect with them. Dwight was able to do things to people he could manhandle in the post early on, and he'd have good games or so-so games. But now the coordination between he and (Rockets small forward Chandler) Parsons — those guys are starting to get it and to know how to use him and to know how to play in what they're trying to do now, passing well out of it and getting three points shots. You know, a lot of people say they don't see them in the Finals in the West but I think they have a chance to be in the Finals in the West.

You know, they may have a young guy at (power forward), but with (backup center Omer) Asik back they might be able to start putting a lot of things together where there will be both Asik and Howard on the floor. And in the NBA playoffs, after the first game or so everything becomes halfcourt. And then it's (about) who can grind it out and defend. And when you've got big defenders, this may be an opportunity for them to really step through that to another level. They had a good run last year against Oklahoma — didn't win, but they pressed them. And now with Dwight there, they're looking for things to go forward a little bit. I think we've all wanted to see Dwight develop a really good post-up game, and I just saw his left hand come back, he started shooting again where it looked like his left hand was back. That's been one of his strengths, where he's been able to hold off with his right and shoot with his left — that's been one of the things he's doing well now again. So I like to see that. And I think it takes a long time to get over the type of back injury he had, and I think the Lakers weren't patient. I don't think our fans understood. I had spinal fusion, a back operation, and I know that I spent one year playing a backup role and it was difficult for me. And then after that one year of kind of getting back and getting my legs underneath me and getting a comfort zone and mobility back again, I had better years. The next three years were much better for me in my career. And I think that's going to happen to Dwight. So I encouraged Daryl.

Q: He has been playing out of his mind. The last month, it looks like the Orlando Dwight.

A: Exactly. Yeah.

Q: So considering the narrative on (Rockets coach) Kevin McHale has been that people wonder how long he wants to coach, do you have intrigue with that situation? I have to admit wondering that maybe you look at that like a do-over from what didn't happen in LA with Dwight.

A: (Laughs). No, I. I'm sorry. I mean. Um, no. I don't (pauses). I like that. That's funny. I've got a (phone) call at 10 (a.m.) — how am I doing at time?
Click to expand...

Phil knows. #vindication

moestavern19 · Mar 2, 2014

DYNASTY TIME

TheFreak · Mar 2, 2014

"Not interested, but we have this scout in our org that I think has some Houston ties..."

Deckard · Mar 2, 2014

Great find, OP! Interesting reading indeed. Hard to dismiss the comments of someone who has coached two different teams to multiple titles.

rockbox · Mar 2, 2014

TheFreak said: ↑

"Not interested, but we have this scout in our org that I think has some Houston ties..."
Click to expand...

If only Rudy wanted to coach again. He needs to get back into the rocket's org.

Karolik · Mar 2, 2014

YES, anyone but MCFAIL

vator · Mar 2, 2014

Come on Phil...come get this ring, you know you want it!

DrNuegebauer · Mar 2, 2014

I'm not sure we have a high enough courtside chair for Jackson?

vator · Mar 2, 2014

DrNuegebauer said: ↑

I'm not sure we have a high enough courtside chair for Jackson?

Click to expand...

Not a problem. We can have Mattress Mac find him a throne worthy of a man of his stature. And a goblet for his court side beverages.

jtr · Mar 2, 2014

clutz said: ↑

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...rning-los-angeles-lakers-jeanie-buss/5945745/

Click to expand...

Yeah. Absolutely right. The Rockets are contenders and Phil is about 70. McHale is the coach and we can beat anyone in a seven game series. How awesome it that?

DraftBoy10 · Mar 2, 2014

DrNuegebauer said: ↑

I'm not sure we have a high enough courtside chair for Jackson?

Click to expand...

No worries. If Phil comes here, I'll get it custom made and will pay for it out of pocket.

Will also valet him from the airport to his new home.

rocketblood713 · Mar 2, 2014

You know LA calling him up right now to come back

dznutz · Mar 2, 2014

phil's just securing his job options once the rockets miss the finals. the zen master plants seeds

DraftBoy10 · Mar 2, 2014

Totally planting his seed. He knows McFail will bow out in 2nd round, lots of us want WCF appearance, we blame the loss on McFail and rightfully so...and then the Zen Master appears.

Francis3422 · Mar 2, 2014

Wont happen this offseason. May happen next offseason.

Although I would predict a Van Gundy taking the job before that. I do think Phil may be done.

jtr · Mar 2, 2014

DraftBoy10 said: ↑

Totally planting his seed. He knows McFail will bow out in 2nd round, lots of us want WCF appearance, we blame the loss on McFail and rightfully so...and then the Zen Master appears.
Click to expand...

You do realize that Phil will turn 70 soon? And I find your very rude dismissive behavior about McHale appalling. Haven't the Rockets reached 40 wins faster than any other franchise team except one? What do you not like about success? Oh, wait, I do understand. You are on a negative bandwagon you picked up from other (ignorant) posters. You have no understanding of the issues and are parroting others opinions. OK. Glad we got that straight.

Prove me wrong with your incredible insight into the inner workings of the NBA.

solodolo · Mar 2, 2014

reliableman · Mar 2, 2014

Since both names have been brought up (not that it's going to happen), would you rather have Rudy T back after all these years or Phil Jackson?

Forums

[Amick] Phil Jackson: "[Rockets] have a chance to be in the Finals"

clutz Member

Carl Herrera Contributing Member

basketballholic Member

moestavern19 Member

TheFreak Contributing Member

Deckard Blade Runner
Supporting Member

rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

Karolik Member

vator Contributing Member

DrNuegebauer Member

vator Contributing Member

jtr Contributing Member

DraftBoy10 Member

rocketblood713 Member

dznutz Member

DraftBoy10 Member

Francis3422 Member

jtr Contributing Member

solodolo Member

reliableman Member

Share This Page

About ClutchFans

Rockets Content

Support ClutchFans!

[Amick] Phil Jackson: "[Rockets] have a chance to be in the Finals"

clutz Member

Carl Herrera Contributing Member

basketballholic Member

moestavern19 Member

TheFreak Contributing Member

Deckard Blade Runner Supporting Member

rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

Karolik Member

vator Contributing Member

DrNuegebauer Member

vator Contributing Member

jtr Contributing Member

DraftBoy10 Member

rocketblood713 Member

dznutz Member

DraftBoy10 Member

Francis3422 Member

jtr Contributing Member

solodolo Member

reliableman Member

Share This Page

Deckard Blade Runner
Supporting Member