One of the more interesting stories coming out of the NBA in recent years has been the apparent exile of one-time Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson.
In a league where seemingly everyone gets a second chance, many have found it odd that a central figure in helping form one of the greatest dynasties in league history has been unable to find a second head coaching opportunity.
At least one of Jackson’s former players believes he is blackballed.
This week, Klay Thompson weighed in on his experience with Jackson as a coach during their time together.
“Give Coach Jackson credit,” said Thompson. “Before anybody else, [before] anybody believed in us, Coach Jackson did. He called me and Steph [Curry] the greatest shooting duo of all-time. I mean, that couldn’t have come more true. Just kind of a testament to your ability to read the game. They called you crazy, but at the time …”
Jackson served at the helm of the Warriors for a three-year stint between 2011 and 2014. He transformed them from a 23-win team that couldn’t make the playoffs to a 51-win team that looked to have the makings of something special.
Over the past couple of years he has been linked to not one, but two prominent coaching jobs – only to get passed over for both.
Now that’s a Halloween costume. https://t.co/xDN5ukIuKB
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 30, 2021
It’s straight up odd.
Will Jackson ultimately get another chance as a head coach in the NBA? Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
