Amidst a summer of sports controversy, positivity is far too difficult to find. Fortunately, Wednesday, September 17 marked the anniversary of one of the most important days in NBA history.
It was Phil Jackson’s 69th birthday.
Jackson is a 13-time NBA champion, winning a record 11 as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers and two as a player for the New York Knicks. Thus, Jackson has become the gold standard for the NBA.
Known mostly for his unparalleled management of egos and adaptation of Tex Winter’s triangle offense, The Zen Master has changed basketball. He’s taken all-time talents such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Scottie Pippen and helped them form all-time legacies.
The NBA honored Jackson with a pair of tweets from two of its Twitter accounts.
Join us in wishing @PhilJackson11 a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! #13xChamppic.twitter.com/M83Hi0OTtp
— NBA (@NBA) September 17, 2014
That one-of-a-kind resume was honored by NBA TV with a marathon of some of his signature games.
In honor of Phil Jackson’s birthday, we’re showing classic games from his coaching career. Tune in all day! pic.twitter.com/yoC4AeXIBP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 17, 2014
The hardest part of that process had to be picking specific games from an NBA career that began in 1967 and featured some of the most memorable moments in sports history. It was either that or being a Utah Jazz fan during the selection and airing processes.
Or a fan of any other team, for that matter.
As the NBA paid homage to its most accomplished coach, Jackson took time out to thank those who helped him achieve what he has. Rather than being in awe of his own career, he deflected praise from himself to others.
Another lesson from The Zen Master.
today is my treat-many wishes. The NBA showing all those title games AND the best guys working together.#gratitude — Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) September 18, 2014
There’s only one Phil Jackson. Happy birthday, coach.