Eventoday , thereisnofixeddefinition ofaphenomenalNBAcoach . Despitetheambiguitysurroundingthetitle , theNBA has deemed many coaches who encompas elementsofleadership , motivation , proficiency , andstrategicplanningtovaryingdegrees , aslegendaryteachersoftheirtime . These coaches , knowntohavebeenmenofdiferent backgrounds , have time and time again proventheirgoodnatureintheeyesofoficials , players , and fans alike . Below are achievements , andtechniquesoftwoNBA coacheswhoaredebatablythebestamong al . Basketbalcoachesofallevelsshould take note ofthe tactics , techniques , and philosophiesthatdistinguishthesecoaches from therest . PhilJackson
Intheeyesofmany , PhilJackson ’ s uniquecoachingstylehasearnedhim the titleof “ theZenMaster ”. Jackson , whoinitiallystartedhisNBAcoachingcareerwiththe ChicagoBulsin1987 , didn ’ tearnaspotwith theLosAngelesLakersuntillateroninhis career . Whilewiththeteam , Jacksonwon11 championshipsofwhichthreewererepeatedlywon ( three-peat ). Additionaly , whilewith the Lakers , Jackson coached personalities such asMichaelJordan , DennisRodman , KobeBryant , and ShaquileO ’ Neil , alof whom are familiar household names in CanadaandAmerica .
WhatdistinguishesJacksonfrom majorityofcoachesisthathedemandsrespect . His personality , whethergenuineorcontrived , wholeheartedlyfulfilstheroleofaleader . Additionaly , unlike many other coaches , Jacksoningrainsprinciplesofmentaltrainingwithinteam andindividualdrils . He ’ s popularlyknownforensuringthathisteam meditatebeforehitingthecourts . Manyhave alsonoticedJackson ’ sendlespatiencewith players . Instead ofinstructed ataltimes ,
10 HoopsMagazine2013
COACHING
101
Jackson alowed playerstomakesenseof thingsontheirown . RedAuerbach
RedAuerbach , knownpopularlyforhis timewiththeBostonCeltics , beganhiscoachingcareerfolowingcolegeatahighschool in Washington , D . C . Itwasn ’ tuntilafter coachingtheWashingtonCapitalsandAtlantaHawksthatAuerbackfoundhisnichewith theBostonCeltics .
WhilewiththeCeltics , Auerbach , along withhisteam won16NBA titles . Underhis direction , theteam rosetosuccesandis reportedtohavewonastartling67 % oftheir games . PlayerssuchasLarryBirdandBil Rusel , bothhighlyregardedasprominent playersoftheirtime , flourishedunderhis guidance .
Auerbach ’ scoachingstyle , onewhich wasuncluteredandguidedbytherulesof simplicity , provedtobeexceptional . Hewas prevalentlyknown foralowing playersto playunreservedly , wiselyemployingunique strategies when injuries were prevalent amongplayers , anddevelopingonlyafew , butnonetheles , strongfundamentals . This perhapsexplainswhyplayersfosteredunder hiscarelaterbecamemonumentalfigures .