When Phil Jackson came to their hotel on Friday, the Chicago Bulls had many questions for the legendary coach who helped them win six NBA championship banners at the United Center.
But Torrey Craig had an urgent question for the Hall of Famer.
Torrey Craig humorously asked if he could go to Vegas for two days, which made his teammates laugh.
When Torrey Craig made a joke about going to Vegas, just like Dennis Rodman did during the 1998 NBA playoffs, it made Phil Jackson grin. Coach Donovan replied, saying he would allow it if Craig could rebound like Rodman.
During a break between games in Los Angeles and Portland, the 78-year-old Jackson spent almost two hours with the Bulls. Chip Schaefer, the Director of Performance Health, organized the meeting, allowing Jackson to talk to the coaching staff and then the players.
The meeting was a Q&A session, giving players the chance to ask Jackson about his long and successful history in the league. They were most interested in learning about his playoff series against the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, as well as his time with greats such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Rodman.
Coby White asked Jackson to describe the biggest difference between Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Jackson said, “Kobe didn’t have a conscience. Michael Jordan did.”
Coby White shared that Jackson basically said Michael Jordan would be disappointed if he didn't perform at least 50% from the field. On the other hand, Kobe Bryant didn't care even if he had a poor shooting percentage.
DeMar DeRozan is the only player on the Bulls who faced Jackson in his final coaching days. He has had recent interactions with Jackson at the funeral of Kobe and Gianna Bryant in February 2020, where he saw Jackson reconnect with Gregg Popovich.
DeRozan was emotional seeing Jackson and Popovich reconnect at the funeral, given the battles and successes they shared. He considered witnessing their interaction as a highlight of his career.
DeRozan felt awe seeing Jackson and Popovich, remembering the battles they went through, the championships, and the greatness. Being able to witness the two greats talking was a memorable moment for him as a fan of the game.
For Donovan, the day was significant as a New York native who grew up watching legends like Dick McGuire, Red Holzman, and Bill Fitch—foundational NBA players and coaches whom Jackson remembered as contemporaries.
Donovan expressed his deep respect and admiration for Jackson as a coach and his achievements with different teams. He enjoys conversing with experienced individuals like Jackson, as they discuss timeless aspects of the game.
Jackson, who retired in 2011, continues to follow the Bulls and the NBA, and has also developed an interest in the NHL. He eagerly shared stories from his coaching career during its peak, and provided insights on how the game has evolved to favor high-scoring offenses since the 1990s.
Donovan noted that while Jackson often discussed the tactical aspects of the game, his primary focus was on the foundational principles and intangible qualities that contribute to creating a winning team culture. According to Donovan, Jackson's guidance and advice are highly significant and influential for the current Bulls team.
Donovan remarked that many of Jackson's teachings remain relevant and enduring even today, indicating their timeless nature.
After spending less than an hour with Jackson, DeRozan expressed a desire for more time with the former coach. He found the brief interaction to be inspiring.
DeRozan compared the experience of being in the presence of greatness to the impact of a compelling infomercial that motivates a purchase. He emphasized the inspiration gained from being in the same room as such a legendary figure.
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