Red Auerbach: Phil Jackson’s Coaching Comeback Was All About the Money…..

*RED AUERBACH: PHIL JACKSON’S COACHING COMEBACK WAS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY*

Boston, MA – The legacy of Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, has been called into question by none other than Red Auerbach, the legendary coach of the Boston Celtics.

In a shocking revelation, Auerbach claimed that Jackson’s decision to come out of retirement and coach the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005 was motivated by a desire for a large payday.

“Phil’s a smart guy, and he knew he could get a big contract from the Lakers,” Auerbach said in an interview. “He was always about the money, and that’s why he came back.”

Auerbach’s comments have sparked a heated debate among NBA fans and pundits, with some defending Jackson’s legacy and others questioning his motivations.

Jackson, who won 11 NBA championships as a coach, including six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Lakers, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. However, Auerbach’s comments have raised questions about Jackson’s character and motivations.

“Red’s comments are disappointing, but they’re not surprising,” said Jerry Krause, the former general manager of the Chicago Bulls. “Phil’s always been a bit of a mercenary, and he’s always looked out for himself.”

Krause, who had a well-publicized feud with Jackson during their time together in Chicago, said that Auerbach’s comments were consistent with his own experiences with Jackson.

“Phil’s a great coach, but he’s also a very self-interested person,” Krause said. “He’s always been willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means stepping on others.”

Despite the criticism, Jackson’s supporters have come to his defense, arguing that Auerbach’s comments are motivated by jealousy and a personal vendetta.

“Red’s just mad because Phil’s had more success than he’s had,” said Shaquille O’Neal, who played for Jackson on the Lakers. “Phil’s a great coach, and he’s always been about winning. If he came back for the money, who cares? He still delivered championships.”

O’Neal’s comments were echoed by Kobe Bryant, who also played for Jackson on the Lakers.

“Phil’s a winner, and he’s always been about winning,” Bryant said. “If he came back for the money, that’s just part of the game. What matters is what he accomplished on the court.”

The debate over Jackson’s motivations and legacy is likely to continue, with some arguing that Auerbach’s comments are a legitimate critique of Jackson’s character and others dismissing them as sour grapes.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it’s clear that Auerbach’s comments have sparked a lively and important debate about the nature of success and motivation in professional sports.

As Auerbach himself said, “Phil’s a smart guy, and he knew how to get what he wanted. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the money.”

The question now is whether Jackson’s legacy will be forever tarnished by Auerbach’s comments, or whether he will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Only time will tell.