Besides Kobe Bryant and Jordan Farmar, Pau Gasol is the only Laker left from the 2009-2010 back-to-back championship teams. Gasol was an instrumental part of Phil Jackson’s triangle offense and helped the team to three straight Finals. Gasol and Jackson had always had a strong relationship and still stay in contact even though Jackson is no longer the coach. With Jackson being linked to the New York Knicks front office, Gasol offered some thoughts on what position he thinks Jackson will want.
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Gasol told ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin that he does not believe Jackson would want to be just a consultant:
Pau on Phil Jackson: "I think he wouldn’t be OK being just a consultant, but (instead) being a guy that calls the shots"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 8, 2014
Jackson was recently a consultant for the Detroit Pistons but his role was not known beyond that capacity. Many believe that the Knicks are trying to use Jackson to lure big name free agents as well as help convince Carmelo Anthony to stay in New York. Pau, however, believes otherwise.
Gasol told McMenamin that he doesn’t see Jackson as a recruiter:
Pau Gasol asked if Phil Jackson could use those 11 rings to sway free agents for a team: "I don't know if I picture him as a recruiter"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 8, 2014
Jackson seems to be looking for a role similar to Pat Riley’s with the Miami Heat, where he would have the ability to control player personnel and other basketball related activities. While many Laker fans have called for Jackson to return as coach, that possibility seems to be unrealistic at this point.
Jackson is expected to make his announcement in the coming week and it will be interesting to see if he takes a job with another team while being engaged to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
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Pau Gasol’s Asked Whether He’s Questioned Management’s Decisions
