Phil Jackson says he’d take Bill Russell over Michael Jordan to start his team

[stb]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/phil-jackson-says-d-bill-russell-over-michael-004452630.html

[Kane3387]

He might be being honest but it seemed to me that he was trying to avoid the Michael or Kobe argument again. That's how it seemed to me when I was reading his quotes.

[hpantazo]

I just gained a ton of respect for Phil Jackson, although I can't help wonder if part of that statement is an underhanded shot at Red Auerbach by implying Russell earned the titles, not Red's management and coaching.

[Roy H.]

I just gained a ton of respect for Phil Jackson, although I can't help wonder if part of that statement is an underhanded shot at Red Auerbach by implying Russell earned the titles, not Red's management and coaching.

It could be that.  It could be that he's being honest.  It could be that he's avoiding the MJ vs. Kobe thing, as Kane said.

Or, my theory:  he's making the "rings are all that matter" argument.  If people buy into that argument, then they have to consider Phil the best coach of all-time.

[Boris Badenov]

He might be being honest but it seemed to me that he was trying to avoid the Michael or Kobe argument again. That's how it seemed to me when I was reading his quotes.

I thought he discussed the Kobe/Jordan question at length in his new book.

http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=9285372&src=desktop

[Snakehead]

He might be being honest but it seemed to me that he was trying to avoid the Michael or Kobe argument again. That's how it seemed to me when I was reading his quotes.

I thought he discussed the Kobe/Jordan question at length in his new book.

http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=9285372&src=desktop

There was a breakdown summary of the comparison on deadspin already.  He basically said he preferred MJ in all ways especially as a leader, though he gave Kobe credit later in his career (and he did say Kobe had strengths and separate abilities).

I remember part was also that Jordan would take what was given on offense more often than Kobe, who would force the issue.

[moiso]

I just gained a ton of respect for Phil Jackson, although I can't help wonder if part of that statement is an underhanded shot at Red Auerbach by implying Russell earned the titles, not Red's management and coaching.

It could be that.  It could be that he's being honest.  It could be that he's avoiding the MJ vs. Kobe thing, as Kane said.

Or, my theory:  he's making the "rings are all that matter" argument.  If people buy into that argument, then they have to consider Phil the best coach of all-time.

I think it's your theory.

If any other criteria for greatness are presented to Phil, he chuckles like he did when he found out D'Antoni was hired.  I mean, what other response would be appropriate?

[CelticConcourse]

Or maybe Bill Russell really is the greatest of all time.

[feckless]

Or maybe Bill Russell really is the greatest of all time.

You got it but saying it makes Phil Jackson smarter than  I thought.

[Celtics4ever]

Phil played against Russell for several years.   He got to see plenty of Bill I wager since he came into the league in 67 and Russ left in 69.