Phil Jackson setting-up Los Angeles-Dallas playoff battle with Mark Cuban critique

March 16 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “The arrival of Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks on Sunday evoked the question of whether Jackson could envision working for such a hands-on owner who’s unafraid to publicly critique his players and coaches. "I don’t think I could work under those conditions. I just don’t," Jackson said. Then turning to the assembled reporters, he added, "You guys are bad enough." Jackson said he imagines it’s a tough transition for players as well. "I think it’s something they have to definitely get used to," Jackson said.” (Riverside Press Enterprise)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Let the mind games begin.

The Western Conference standings shows first seeded Los Angeles and eighth seeded Dallas are on a collision course for an opening round match-up. So Phil Jackson, before a nationally televised game, fired the first shot, criticizing Dallas owner Mark Cuban.

This is no surprise. In fact, it’s standard operating procedure for the Zen-Master.

Years ago, when the Lakers and Kings were rivals, Jackson dropped the infamous cowbell comment when describing Sacramento’s fans. More recently, the Hall of Fame sideline boss was locked in a war of words with two former Phoenix Suns, coach Mike D’Antoni and lockdown defender Raja Bell.

(Remember, Raja versus Kobe, Suns versus Lakers? Obviously, Jackson had much to say on this.)

Now it’s Cuban’s ownership style. The renegade owner has kept a lower profile of late, but won’t resist taking on a target like P-Jax, especially if L.A. and Dallas meet in the second season.

There are reasons for Jackson’s comments. Playoff teams are so close coaches must seek out any edge, even if it’s a small, mental advantage. And Jackson is probably trying to take some spotlight off his players, who face tremendous pressure to win an NBA Title.

Of course, he could just be speaking his opinion. Nine championships deep, it’s best not to question Jackson’s mind games.

What do you think of Jackson’s comments? Let us know in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of compujeramey.

7 Comments: Phil Jackson setting-up Los Angeles-Dallas playoff battle with (...)

Posted by
LA4LIFE
on 03.18.2009

LA=arrogant just likie when spurs knocked out LA in the playoffs last year, oh no they didnt it was the other way round ha ha .

Posted by
The Next Great Athlete - http://www.tnga.com
on 03.17.2009

the thing is Phil - love him or hate him - is a master of the head game. this is clearly intended on disrupting the very fragile mark cuban. since we all know that mark cuban is incapable of sitting back and letting the team play, getting in his head is a smart move by phil. .

Posted by
LA= arrogant!
on 03.17.2009

Phil, like all Lakers, is weak. You guys are so arrogant. Too bad, the spurs will beat you and shut you up! .

Posted by
Sami A
on 03.17.2009

Opinions of Cuban are either Jackson’s reaction, or the other side which is people loving his passion. As far as pure basketball, good luck to the Mavs in a series against LA. I want my dude J kidd to win a title, but it’s obvious they won’t even get out of the first round. .

Posted by
Yo
on 03.16.2009

I and Oly have, have its awesome!!!! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 03.16.2009

Hi Dominc, Thanks for reading and commenting. You are right. With Phil, there is always an element of taunting. However, his insults toward PHO and SAC came back in the day. The Suns, during the Kobe-Raja war, actually beat the Lakers in seven games, while the Kings pushed the purple-and-gold years ago when the cowbell comment was made. That was another time, though, and couldn’t happen today. However, again, you are right in that Dallas won’t match up to LA, not even close. But a Jackson-Cuban story line will certainly be interesting. Thanks for reading! And good comment. .

Posted by
dominic
on 03.16.2009

it seems more like taunting than trying to get into their heads. either of those teams dont stand a chance against the lakers. he wouldnt try that with the spurs, cavs or celtics. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Phil Jackson setting-up Los Angeles-Dallas playoff battle with Mark Cuban critique

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