 |
 |
|
| | Thursday, January 20 | |||||
| LOS ANGELES -- Don't expect Phil Jackson to be coaching the
Washington Wizards any time soon, or ever, despite Michael Jordan's
becoming part-owner and president of basketball operations for the
team Wednesday.
"He alluded to that when he was here last week," Jackson said
of Jordan's new position before the Los Angeles Lakers faced the
Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. "I think it's a wonderful
opportunity not only for him, but the Washington Wizards, the
city."
While the Wizards have one of the NBA's worst records at 12-28,
the Lakers have by far the best at this stage in Jackson's first
year as their coach; he signed a five-year deal for around $30
million last summer.
When asked if he would like to coach under Jordan, Jackson
smiled and replied: "No. I like Michael being a player. Maybe at
some level there would be a chance at that happening. I don't see
it."
Jackson said he believes the Wizards will show improvement under
Jordan, who retired before the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season
acknowledged to be one of the best players, if not the best, in NBA
history.
"I wish him well in his new job, it's about as difficult a
situation as any to go into in the NBA," Jackson said. "Besides
the fact that he's going to bring attention, he'll demand a lot.
I'm sure he's going to try and move people who aren't producing for
the ballclub.
"He won't take no for an answer. (But) it's going to take time.
He was always a compliant player, he was so good at what he did. He
would always do what you wanted -- jump over buildings in a single
bound. He's going to want a system, he's going to have discipline.
I think he's going to build a good foundation."
About Jordan saying he planned to practice with the Washington
players, Jackson said, "There's a certain element you can learn,
there's a lot you can't. I think he judges people a lot of their
intensity."
Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal said he believes the development
will pay dividends for both parties.
"I think that was a good entrepreneurial move, very impressive," O'Neal said. "With his knowledge of the game, with his competitiveness, I'm sure they'll do well. He'll probably look to make some moves. There's going to be a lot of free agents next year."
| ALSO SEE Jordan tries to become management Wiz Users weigh in on Michael Jordan New job could test Jordan's patience Ratto: Don't fret about Falk Chicago willing to 'share' Jordan with Wizards Michael Jordan through the years Ratto: Wiz the wrong move for MJ NBA would be delighted if Jordan joined Wizards staff SportsCentury No. 1: Michael Jordan Audio chat wrap: David Aldridge 
 | |||||