The Brooklyn Nets will reportedly pursue Phil Jackson to fill their head coaching vacancy (h/t Howard Beck, The New York Times), and the Zen Master would be wise to join the organization.
Jackson certainly doesn't need the job. He's already got 11 rings, countless accolades and I'm assuming he's not strapped for cash. He may also be loving the retirement life, meditating in California or relaxing at his ranch in Montana.
But if Jackson has the coaching itch, Brooklyn presents an excellent situation. The following reasons are why Jackson should accept the job.
Personnel
The Nets are still a piece or two away from competing for the title, and they don't have much roster flexibility with their current payroll. Still, their team is already suited for Jackson's triangle offense.
With his size and passing ability, Deron Williams would be a perfect fit for the triangle. Jackson's point guards usually don't control the ball too often, but he could easily make a few adjustments to keep his best player involved.
Jackson would also have the dynamic shooting guard (Joe Johnson) and reliable post presence (Brook Lopez) that his system requires. Add in three-point shooters C.J. Watson and Keith Bogans and Brooklyn has all the pieces necessary to run a successful triangle.
Fun
I'm almost positive that Jackson would have a blast while coaching in Brooklyn. The borough is already buzzing because of its new team, and Jackson's presence would take the hysteria to an entirely different level.
Just picture him sitting on his elevated throne on the sideline, a smug grin on his face as the raucous Barclays Center crowd serenades him with applause. It's an easy scene to imagine, and with the Nets in the thick of the playoff race, there would likely be many moments like that throughout the season.
Jackson would also get to converse with flamboyant owner Mikhail Prokhorov and rap mogul Jay-Z on a regular basis. If that's not an attractive incentive, I don't know what is.
Money
The Wu-Tang Clan famously stated that "Cash Rules Everything Around Me," and not even Jackson is exempt from the Tao of the Wu. Every man has a dollar amount that is simply too good to pass up, and with Prokhorov's infinitely deep pockets, he's the best candidate to find Jackson's magic number.
Darren Rovell of ESPN thinks that number is between $12 to $14 million per season:
If Phil Jackson is interested in coaching the Brooklyn Nets, I suspect Prokhorov is going to have to pay him $12M to $14M a year.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) December 29, 2012
Knowing how badly Prokhorov wants Jackson, I wouldn't be shocked if he offered him $15 or $16 million per year, as well as a role within the front office. If that is what's on the table, I don't know how Jackson could refuse Brooklyn's offer.
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