How Good Was Phil Jackson REALLY?

[@jonnyarnett]

Phil Jackson overall is… Underrated, Properly rated, or Overrated?

[@baka9649]

First

[@hristijandimitrovski8664]

Properly rated as a coach, underrated as a player😁

[@ronjulius4653]

Underrated, we barely know he was a player

[@kingkunta2977]

Phil’s the GOAT. Better than MJ

[@Sigmaohiorizzkaicenat325]

Underrated as a player and properly rated as a coach.

[@david.tousignant20]

Phil Jackson played against Kareem, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and then coached Jordan, Shaquille and Kobe. Wow!

[@Sf75178]

Yeah he has a lot of experience and at lot of knowledge

[@jonnyarnett]

Theres a short list of NBA legends that I would just looooove to interview and ask several questions... and Phil Jackson is one of them, due to his crazy amount of knowledge and personal experience.

[@hidude6103]

Plus Scottie!

[@stephcurrytheg.o.a.t]

@@hidude6103 Scottie not on any of those guys level and isn't even close

[@hidude6103]

@@stephcurrytheg.o.a.t never said that but Scottie is regarded as a top 50 player all time

[@ldtv8971]

I'm signing up for NBA History Class. Jonny Arnett will be the teacher.

[@vulturefps6451]

AP classes available?

[@Maximillian200HP]

I feel like his videos are the best in terms of teaching history of the game.

[@mateogoberna7889]

Bet

[@ldtv8971]

@@vulturefps6451 AP 2000's, AP 90's, AP 80's, AP 70's, AP 60's, etc I'm taking AP 1890's as well as others

[@SketchingHands]

I’m sitting in the front row!

[@fuehdnsjwisj8097]

To think Pat Riley and Phil Jackson actually played against each other as NBA players.

[@eikokaniken6662]

lol

[@tj5180]

Didnt know riley played in the NBA

[@BrockMak]

@@tj5180 I often forget that they played against each other in the 1973 NBA Finals.

[@fortnitejake850]

Phil: My mom is the most competitive person I know. MJ: and I took that personally. Phil’s Mom: I took it personally that you took it personally

[@gen4john660]

That beef in the afterlife will be fun to watch.

[@chowderchowdown]

​@Unapologetically Black And Armed Kobe wouldn't do that tho. He's competitive but not salty like MJ. I remember back then when Kobe won his 5th championship and was still a threat to MJ's goat status. When asked about where Kobe ranks among the greatest, MJ said Kobe is definitely a top 10 guard. Kobe had a mature response and respected Michael's opinion.

[@EVW.G]

@@chowderchowdown I think MJ was joking bro. Kobe and Mike were friends lol.

[@hinika]

​@@EVW.G that guy probably didn't listen to Jordan's speech about Kobe at his memorial service.

[@chowderchowdown]

@@EVW.G There's a huge difference between MJ and Kobe's relationship now and their relationship back then when Kobe was a threat to MJ's goat status. MJ isn't joking when talking about these things. If it were a joke, Kobe wouldn't have a mature response.

[@okd521]

Phil Jackson was voted coach of the year one time. Can you imagine 11 NBA championships and only one coach of the year? Tremendously underrated!

[@MrReymoclif714]

Personality?

[@marcellojohnson2418]

I watched his entire knick career and he was a bit of a novelty and fan favorite because of his high energy style of play. He was the original Action Jackson. His wide shoulders afforded him the nick name of hanger man. His sweeping left hook was his signature move that normally came off of a broken play. Phil was a knick fan favorite because he played like a new Yorker, he played with grit.

[@MrReymoclif714]

Off the bench for the enforcement!

[@drdubberruckie2346]

Great content mate! very very interesting and great attitude to ask an older audience to add more information to the story. Phil Jackson is a true legend, what a coach just amazing record. Very interesting to see the man play, another great era we should never forget.

[@MrK623]

I saw him play. He was awkward but a good bench player and he worked very hard.

[@mrconfusion87]

I bet ya never saw his legendary coaching career coming way back then!

[@MrK623]

@@mrconfusion87 That is a good point.

[@MJIZZEL]

Thanks for bringing some of these earlier players playing careers to light man. I guarantee you there were many that didn't even know he played and only thought he was a coach til this video. Phil was scrappy!

[@allanhugo8569]

Scrappy and tough is what i remember about Phil too.

[@3243_]

Scrappy, to say the least.

[@davidlobell1366]

I saw Phil play throughtout his years with the Knicks and I remember how he kicked Jack Marins butt one night in a fight. He played with gusto and gave 100% effort every time he stepped on the court. He always was defending the inbound pass with his enormous wingspan and he was defensive specialist and a reliable scorer. He was a damn good 6th man most of his career.

[@MrReymoclif714]

I played 6th man a lot!

[@G-TV_TheOneManArmy]

Underrated as a player and properly rated as a coach

[@FoxUnitNell]

I think he was a bit under-rated as a coach as his choices were a lot of times polarizing and when against what logic would dictate and the upstairs guys would tell him, but these choices were very quintessential to the success of the bulls. The first three with the bulls were a lot on Jordan, but the second threepeat was a lot of jackson's coaching.

[@ethanjobson3879]

Not to mention his coaching the year Jordan wasn’t there.

[@orangepencolossus]

@Green Lion he was a good role player. He contributed to some great knicks teams.

[@okd521]

He was only voted coach of the year once! He's tremendously underrated as a coach. Can you imagine 11 championships in the NBA and only Coach of the Year one time???

[@michael-paulware7330]

@@ethanjobson3879 he won coach of the year in 1996 the year they went 72-10 Jordan was on the team

[@9NGMR]

Ngl, everytime I see one of your vids pop up in my feed, I get happy, cause I absolutely love them :)

[@peterbarry1194]

One area where Phil really stood out was covering an inbound pass. With his long wingspan and tenacious D, he caused tremendous problems for the opposing teams when they were taking the ball out

[@smokeyjoe795]

He could open both doors of a full size Lincoln at the same time.

[@MrReymoclif714]

I used to watch him play for the Knick knacks in the 1970s! He was a great ENFORCER!!!! The throwing elbows he was known for were the scrappy enforcer in off the bench schtuff he was known for! I remember when he was 1st string!!!

[@drod1167]

Underrated, dude had chronic back injuries from carrying the Knicks all the time

[@avs5839]

Carrying the knicks all the time? With what, his 7 points per game?

[@sundigest1121]

@@avs5839 I think he's joking..

[@Buttington_Headerson]

@@avs5839 he got a decent bit better than that over the years but yeah pretty sure it was a joke

[@AnObliviousCelticsFan]

@@sundigest1121 typa joke-

[@sundigest1121]

@@AnObliviousCelticsFan what?

[@badii]

Jonny, you’ve made plenty of player comparisons. But we need a Phil Jackson vs Gregg Popovich coach comparison, discussing who’s the GOAT coach.

[@nodsarchive4580]

this is good😍

[@swedishboi3208]

Red Auberbach.

[@austin5944]

@@swedishboi3208 I don't really know about that, even after he retired the Celtics were winning

[@swedishboi3208]

@@austin5944 because he built the team

[@devinvez3869]

Tied

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

There should be a whole series about how good Pat Riley, Rudy Tomjanovich and Jerry Sloan were.

[@williebraxton1988]

Jerry Sloan and Norm Van Lier were two of the toughest defenders the Bulls ever had.

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

@@williebraxton1988 they were tough defenders but the best two in Bulls' history were Jordan and Rodman.

[@Rvench]

@@andrzejzborowski4920 rodman is overrated he was more of rebounder than

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

@@Rvench Rodman is one of the most underrated players ever. He was not only a rebounder. He was a tough defender who could shut down any player including Shaq.

[@jespacey]

pat and phil were pesky role players, jerry sloan & rudy t. were pesky all stars

[@cadecrusader]

Cool video on Phil Jackson the player. Can you do one like this on Rudy Tomjanovich when he was a player for the Rockets? 🙂

[@codylucier4688]

Man phil really had an amazing life. Won 2 championships before he even started coaching. That's a feat in itself to be proud of. The becomes best coach ever with 11 championships. Wow amazing guy

[@thatismattjohnsonjohnson3146]

Basketball of today is a whole level BELOW basketball off the past. So, give Phil some credit for having a decent career.

[@ramsfire]

I grew up in NYC a Knicks Fan watching Mr. Jackson play. He was the "6th Man" of his Era and when called upon gave everything he had. Coach "Red" Holtzman would bring him in to harrass the opposing team's "hot hand" because of his Defensive Prowess and it always seemed to work. Because of his Basketball IQ and Tangible Achievements in the League He definitely has earned his spot among the Best Coaches in NBA History.

[@TurinStark5]

Moreover when he was a play there were only 17-22 teams. Had there been 30 teams he may have been a starter elsewhere.

[@johntobin3235]

He was an irreplaceable part of those great Knick teams. Absolutely. I saw it in person. Whatever the team needed at the time he gave it to them. A great defender on a great defensive team.

[@hristijandimitrovski8664]

Another great video from the best basketball channel, I need to see it now

[@brachio1000]

The Knicks were on CBS Sunday afternoons a lot in the early seventies, when that was the only nationally televised pro basketball. Jackson was gawky but a fine back-up for Reed, Lucas, and DeBusschere. I recall his scoring a lot in several big games when one of those guys was hurt. I think Red Holzman sent him on scouting trips on off days. Always thought he might've had some very good seasons statistically if he'd ended up on an expansion team. Co-wrote a memoir of his playing days, MAVERICK, that's too quasi-philosophical but good nonetheless.

[@Jafet2002]

Actually my parents remember watching him play. They said he had very reliable defense. They said the reason of him not scoring as much is because the rest of the roster had pretty nice offensive options. Phil Jackson made up with his efforts and reliability on the defensive end.

[@mrconfusion87]

Now the Rodman comparisons make sense!

[@oddron8643]

2 rings playing for the Knicks, 6 as coach for the Bulls, 5 as coach for the Lakers. This man was involved in every Era of basketball, and the rings to prove it.

[@thistrem]

Always down to watch a new Jonny vid.

[@MikeTheNBAGuy]

I'd love to see someone do an in-depth look into alltime coaches, I feel like that's so much more difficult than ranking players and trying to compare guys like Phil and Pop is just a circle of the same points over and over

[@michaelscott9081]

I remember watching the Knick teams with Phil Jackson. Best description of Phil as a player was, he was a scrappy, pesky defender whose “elbows” would sometime get him in trouble with opposing players who would take exception to his style of play

[@jonnyarnett]

You're the first person who's actually given me eye witnessed feedback. Thanks for that! Don't feel like you have to answer this, but considering you've been watching the game longer than most people, which legend from back then do you feel like is the most underrated today?

[@100secondworkout]

Grew up a Sixers fan ! Season tickets so went to many games during the 9-73 season ! No one wanted to go so I did and sat behind the visiting teams bench ! Phil Jackson was very good and a very tough defender ! Him and Dave Debusschere were a force !

[@christopherjanuarabella1523]

Haha 😆😂

[@100secondworkout]

@@christopherjanuarabella1523 Son life is too short to go through it acting like a FOOL !

[@bartonpercival2147]

Your pretty accurate about Jackson’s playing career. I was 15 years old in 1970 and because the Knicks had a 18 game winning streak, they were on ABC game of the week almost every week. Although Phil Jackson was injured for the most of that season it allowed Bill Bradley to move from playing guard to his natural position of small forward. Reed, Frazier, Bradley, Dave Debusschere and Dick Barnett stared for the Knicks that season, but Phil Jackson had a big part in the Knicks winning their 2nd Championship in 1973

[@walterlinares5960]

He was an average player, what I remember most about him was that since he had those long arms the coach would put him in front of who ever was inbounding the ball to cut it off

[@RagefulManOnRollerSkates]

I literally saw the notification and verbally said "oOh!"

[@Wish_lll-_-]

"I got me a steal?"

[@Maximillian200HP]

Literally did the same, NOBODY talks about Phil Jacksons career as a PLAYER. Johnny is the best!

[@carlrosenstein5984]

I was blessed and turned a teen-ager when Clyde and Jackson were drafted in 67. I must have seen that great Knick team 100 times beginning at the Old Garden on 8th Ave. Honestly, early in his career he drove nuts with his bizarre offense but his game improved and my criticisms were muted. He was an important part of the Knick team that beat the dreaded Celtics in 1973 with Havlicek, Cowens, Jo Jo White and Paul Silas and then went on to beat Wilt and West in the finals. My personal regard for him grew when he, along with Dave Debusschere and Bill Bradley took courageous, public stances against the immoral Vietnam War. I've already forgiven him for his disastrous stint as Knick GM, nobody is perfect.

[@jdkett]

His mom had to be absolutely insane if she's the most competitive person he's ever known and this man knows jordan.

[@tripleog3020]

He is well cultured, well read, well informed, and knowledgeable about every subject.

[@joeblow9374]

phil jackson's best play was doing jumping jacks while guarding the inbound pass.

[@declanrex9435]

When he played for the Knicks he lived in my town

[@jamesmonteverde5538]

Jackson was pivotal and much needed link to the Knicks in that era. I remember when Willis Reed went down, it was Jackson and Jerry Lucas who had to take on the monsters like Wilt and Kareem --- and they did a good job. And remember that Jackson was taught the pro game by Red Holtzman, who was a genius at preparing defensive play. The Knicks practiced at my College and I talked to Phil and Jim Clemons, and I know from those conversations that the game had indeed changed -- no more low posts and the Center position has gone to the perimeter --- but I saw Holtzman's style when Phil coached the Bulls.

[@eduardosoares5817]

Hey, Jonny! Can you make a video about Doc Rivers' player career? It would be nice to share about another defensive minded player who then became a great coach.

[@devinvez3869]

Doc is kind of overrated as a coach in my opinion.

[@michaelares4240]

I was at Madison square garden every Tuesday and Saturday night. I saw most of phil’s career. He made timely plays like steeling the ball from Jo Jo White which was the key moment in the triple overtime game. Phil always was in the right place at the right time. He could mix it up too. His fights with jack Marin. Phil was one of the Knicks , intelligent and intense

[@3243_]

He had one with George McGinnis in the 1976-77 season too.

[@BrockMak]

Now, how good was Mitch Kupchak, really? As a Bullet, he battled Jack Sikma, and literally fought Olajuwomn and Ralph Sampson as a Laker.

[@douglasmcfarland9040]

This was a joy to watch. I think this would make a great series of videos. I like that he was a role player, that showed heart and hustle. Proof that role players make great coaches i.e. Byron Scott, Steve Kerr, Jerry Sloan, Rudy Tomjanivich.

[@dondudley2412]

I saw Phil play in 1966 at Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa. What made me remember him , he took a left hand hook at the top of the key. I believe he played for North Dakota State Univ. Being one of the greatest coaches he maybe up there, I believe he was wise enough to conform his style of coaching based on the ability of his players.

[@benjamingrim2379]

I think Phil is definitely one of the greatest coaches in the NBA history. It's between Phil and Pat

[@theutubeish]

Phil Jackson was also a Red Holtzman disciple. Red was a great coach and Phil would sit with him and learn thing from Red.

[@cashmoneysniper4166]

I think he was a solid player but the best coach ever! Btw keep on the videos going Jonny!

[@Adotch]

Before I can watch the video I already know the bulls documentary made him seem like he was on will Chamberlain level 😂

[@bofallhihaj4745]

It didn’t though?

[@jonnuanez2843]

Very cool video, Jonny. Maybe do a video on Pat Riley. Funny how future Laker coaches meet up at 1:20.

[@Reningale]

the best nba coach of all time probably goes to either red aeurbach, phil jackson, or popovic. all three have been legendary coaches.

[@jamesspella8548]

Personally, I think he was a better player than his stats indicate. Not flashy, but scrappy. Good defense. One who made a difference, stealthily.

[@vorakijpunyashthiti2820]

Great video. Can you do Jerry Sloan as player too?

[@dragonmaldito]

I never see him play. But the last statement is true. Teams are reflect of their coach' personality. Another great one who comes in my mind is Jerry Sloan

[@averyce2]

I recall Phil Jackson in his later years still diving for the ball like Pete Rose did for the Cincy Reds (Baseball). The commentators would often comment "If hustle points counted". He wasn't underrated as a player statistically. As a coach, he is the GOAT for American sports!! Phil has the rings, the coaching tree, the unique philosophies, and HOF honors to prove it.

[@alexgrissom3513]

His beard was top notch, and that wood under them short shorts be slangin 🥴

[@mysterygamermgclues8864]

Hol up...

[@DominusTecum316]

You know since he has been in so many winning teams, I never even considered that he played in the NBA. His opportunity to coach so many gifted athletes took precidense our his own playing career in my opinion. Neat to learn and see his moves and of that long hair and mustache, I loved that look.

[@michaeltootikian4402]

Phil Jackson was a free spirit during his playing career. He was a good team player and fit it well with the Knicks as player

[@dustincobb5718]

Better coach than player but underrated. Although pistol Pete made him hate him in the 68 point game.

[@requiemforameme1]

I’ve never seen a jumper that looked like he was trying to lay it in from 16’ out. 😂

[@allanhugo8569]

Phil Jackson, with the squared off shoulders,was on one of my favorite childhood teams. Thank you Phil!

[@ronaldkulas5748]

I saw Phil score 51 or 52 points in one game for the University of North Dakota. Phil liked the hook shot, and, yes, he had large shoulders and long arms. If I am not mistaken, Bill Fitch was his coach; and Phil had a teammate named Jim Hester who ended up playing football for N.O. I was in 6th or 7th grade at the time. I hope I am correct.

[@kapekape9160]

Exactly what i needed rn

[@vdLeo-je6os]

His college numbers were both great offensively and defensively

[@mbombaby]

I was 13 in 1973. Jackson, while looking awkward, was a spark plug. I loved the guy. So you described him pretty well and as I remember him.

[@jessemarrtinez]

underrated, this channel is very underrated

[@derekt9974]

Great video! Could you do a versus video on who was better: Patrick Ewing or Dirk Nowitzki? I always watch your videos Arnett!

[@ShniitSchneyder]

Yeah!! Great idea, thanks for this :)))

[@dougcmelik2442]

He averaged around 28 pts per game in college (Senior year) so he had skills

[@kdkatz-ef2us]

Anybody who could survive in the NBA of that era must have been a fine player.

[@MrReymoclif714]

He was skinny,elbows throwing coming in off the bench IRRITATING to have to play against!

[@DrJohnnyJ]

The greatest matchup was Jackson against Mel Counts: tons of awkwardness and elbows as two overachievers battled it out. Fun stats for Mel Counts. His all-time highs came against the best: 25 rebounds vs. Bill Russell in Game 6 of the playoffs and 31 points vs. Kareem.

[@louisstiles3811]

He was a role player. Played his role pretty good won a title but he wasn't a star or anything just a poor man's rodman a guy who could scrap and give you energy.

[@dantean]

I remember Phil's playing career--at least since 1971--and he was exactly as you describe: a role player extraordinaire! He definitely made an impact on the court without flashy numbers to show for his efforts the way Draymond Green does. He was certainly a meaningful contribution to the team's success in that period (1969-73) and someone they've have HAD to replace had he not been on the team. He was known for his "sharp elbows." A largely in- (or non-) offensive Kevin McHale would be another way of thinking of him. As far as coaching G.O.A.T.s go, I think Auerbach and Popovich did it WITHOUT having the greatest player on the planet (or playerS, when Shaq and Kobi were there together), so it's tough for me think of them all working from an even footing, talent-wise. I'm not sure who DOESN'T win with Michael/Pippen or Kobi/Shaq. And while I credit him with the last two, Shaq-less championships, I'm not sure how great the League was in those particular seasons. That said, he ABSOLUTELY is somewhere between 1 and 3 and no worse. The subject is too complicated for making distinctions any finer than separation into tiers, the first of which is obviously him, Red, and Pops. Order them how you like.

[@reginaldtisdale8907]

He was a brutal elbow sharp thug that did everything asked of him for his team to win. As a coach he was always given great players..

[@Maximillian200HP]

As a player, obviously decent since he was part of a 2x Championship team. As a coach, greatest coach in the history of sports. He managed to guide people like Jordan, Rodman, Kobe and Shaq, I'm sure Steve Kerr owes some of his coaching success to his time with Phil Jackson. The fact Kobe and Jordan were so loyal to him speaks volumes about how great a leader he was, loyalty speaks volumes. Honestly, learning about Phil Jackson while watching the Last Dance was almost just as interesting as learning about Jordan.

[@bowtieguy377]

Phil was a solid, hard-nosed defender with a great wingspan. Played his role on the two Knicks Championship teams. Learned a lot about winning basketball there which he took forward.

[@Lex-up6mg]

Dang those are some amazing pics

[@darrylldavis6952]

I watched him play in the early 70's . He was instrumental in the Knicks winning the NBA Championship ... He was their main defensive shut down player whom changed the momentum of the opposition if they were just a bit ahead .... Steals , Stops , Deflections while often diving on the floor for loose balls ... He was a " Action Jackson " unsung hero type ... Without him the Knicks would never been an NBA Champion ...

[@averagetwins7962]

I have a question: Where do you think Kyrie ranks the season overall, and what do you think he should work on

[@maxwellkafka]

About 20 years ago one of my friends waited on his table at a fancy steakhouse in Scottsdale and said “my dad always said the Knick’s need another player like you” didn’t mention Jordan or anything about coaching. Got a 200% tip

[@barrysentials7226]

Leaving me wanting more every time.I'll be back

[@workingoutguy]

Phil Jackson was a journeyman player off the bench. He did hustle, but he was a player used sparingly with limited minutes. To be fair, it was an Era where great players abound. Phil was a much better coach.

[@mrconfusion87]

THIS!

[@Jiltedin2007]

He had a great supporting cast of Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. I only wondered what he learned from Coach Red Holtzman to make him The Exceptional Coach he became.

[@rodmansdagoat]

The most fortunate one, for sure

[@bennybenny5955]

Most of it was just like you said you were almost right on point with everything

[@barbaracaroll]

Good on defense and a Hustler

[@jackoff4677]

Wow what incredible i have a lot to learn. I was preaching to myself or talking to myself. About Popovich i dont know if that's spell right. Popovich take players bring out the best of the team. Triangle offense overshadowed his defensive mentality. Thanks Jonny

[@gator6551]

He was a great coach, but the best coach in history was Bud Presley.

[@WillToWinvlog]

If he was half as good a player as a coach, he'd be one of the best players ever!

[@CDaeda]

Just another Rodman or Rambus. Take your pick.

[@NewAgeSlaves]

Could barely find his highlights and everyone just acts like we wasn't a champion of course I can count on my man Jonny too come thru a true basketball historian and student of the game

[@not_gavinnn]

you should do something like how good was bob cousy actually, the videos of the older players are so informative

[@badii]

Steve Kerr is in a very similar position to Phil Jackson. Both good/decent players who should be respected, but will forever be remembered as legendary coaches

[@dingobabies9824]

I dont know if Steve Kerr is a " legendary" coach.... dude got a stacked warriors lineup from day 1

[@enigmathegrayman2953]

1:03 Phil Jackson as a young player had shoulders like coat hangers!

[@michaelscott9081]

I just want to add a few more thoughts; Phil needed great players around him on the Knicks in order to win. Just look at his scoring average. But as a coach, he also coached FOUR of the 50 Greatest to ever lace up the high tops. In other words, I’m not the biggest fan of his and to top it all off, when he came back to the Knicks as President, he actually stole money from Dolan and the Knicks. Last point, the Triple Post Offense (Triangle) was the idea of his assistant Tex Winter. Not Phil Jackson.

[@ftnrbhmwk]

So Gregg Popovich doesn't have Superstars but does have stars and you say that Phil Jackson is better than him? Interesting

[@mikenoface]

Phil Jax and Kevin Mchale had those crazy looking shoulders. Phil definitely had his own style.

[@willwyrms6965]

On the Knicks he was the one pressuring the inbound pass. He brought hustle to the game.

[@jerrylu42]

Can you do a video about Pat Riley's playing career next?😂😂😂