Phil

Jackson

The Zen Master recently turned down a coaching job with the Nets and reportedly is in “listen mode” at this point. If he returns, Jackson is reportedly looking for a Pat Riley-type role overseeing a team’s basketball operations department. The Raptors have been prominently linked to Jackson ever since Leiweke was hired as the new president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and the fit makes a ton of sense if Jackson wouldn’t mind taking over a franchise that has cap issues and probably needs a serious overhaul, which has never really been Jackson’s M.O. At this point, only time (and dollars) will tell.

Jackson and Hansen have reportedly hit it off and there’s been talk that Hansen would tab Jackson as team president if his purchase of the Kings is successful. Unfortunately, despite Hansen’s last-ditch effort to up the valuation of his offer to a whopping $625 million, it appears the Kings are likely staying put after the NBA’s relocation committee recommended against moving them to Seattle. The Raptors reportedly are the other front runner for Jackson’s services.

Remember all of those rumors about Jackson returning to the sidelines? They look laughable now. Regardless, we’re sure to hear plenty of other rumblings regarding Jackson’s future in the front office after he admitted to having a deal in place with Chris Hansen to join the Sonics if the Kings had wound up moving from Sacramento.

Winters and Newell ended up as assistant coaches with Winters credited as the inventor of the triangle offense under Jackson. What should be noted is that only a week ago Jackson said he had no interest in coaching again and was more interested in a front office role. Also, it’s hard to imagine Jackson subjugating his massive ego and being someone’s “helper” or an assistant coach. The one thing that is clear is Jackson appears very much done with retirement.

To be clear, Granger does not anticipate Jackson being hired in Toronto. “The likelihood of Jackson relocating to Toronto and taking on a full-time role as a club executive are considered remote at this point,” according to Grange. Jackson to Toronto continues to look like a long shot despite some reports that have indicated otherwise, and it’s looking increasingly likely that Jackson will take plenty of time before potentially re-joining the NBA ranks.

“We discussed some things, me and Mitch in the past couple of weeks, bouncing things around,” Jackson said. “That’s been something that has happened.” Expect Jackson to continue in his current role, and it’s possible the Lakers clear the way to give him an “official title” at some point in the future.

The mutual interest between Jackson and Chris Hansen, who headed the group trying to move the Kings, had become one of the league’s worst-kept secrets. However, the NBA rejected the move and the Kings were sold to a group that will keep them in Sacramento, which Jackson said doesn’t interest him. It also seems unlikely Jackson will be joining the Raptors front office, which had been one of the rumored landing spots for the former Lakers and Bulls coach. One thing that is clear is Jackson is very much interested in returning to the NBA in one form or another. Stay tuned.

We never took reports of Jackson being linked to Toronto seriously, and now you know why. The Raptors would have had to go above and beyond to land Jackson, and it was always a long shot scenario at best.

“Sometimes I feel I can still get out there and do it but the reality is I’m kidding myself,” he said. “When I was done I knew I was done -- physically it was over,” he added. “Even though after I got a knee replacement and a prostatectomy in the last year and a half.” Jackson concluded with “I have no intention of coaching,” but left the door open for a front office role. When asked about the Lakers, Jackson didn’t hold back. "[The Lakers are] going through crisis and if they ask me to come and sit and just listen to what’s going on, I’m willing to do that.” Lakers fans would readily embrace Jackson in the front office.

Here we go again. Less than a week ago it was reported the Raptors were eyeing Jackson for a front office role, and with the Kings now “poised to stay in Sacramento” instead of moving to Seattle, the Raptors hope the Zen Master’s connection to Tim Leiweke will lure him to Canada. ESPN is reporting that Jackson will likely return to the league “in some capacity” next season, but there is nothing imminent between Jackson and the Raptors and it’s still not clear if he’d even be interested in taking over the role they’re offering. Expect to hear plenty of Jackson speculation for as long as he’s out of the game.