When we last saw Phil Jackson coaching on that elevated seat of his, he was a man in pain. He had a terrible hip problem, he needed a knee replacement, and the rigors of the NBA lifestyle were taking a toll on his physical comfort and health.
Phil needed a sabbatical, and I’d say 18 months away from the game qualifies as a sabbatical-sized absence.
But as discussed in this podcast and in this video, this decision may come down more to what Jim Buss wants than what Phil Jackson wants.
But if Phil Jackson wants to come back, it is hard to find any reason not to justify Zen. 3.0.
If not, Nate McMillan, Jerry Sloan and Bernie Bickerstaff seem like the most viable candidates.
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