2. Phil Jackson
Whether you love, hate, or feel indifferent about Phil Jackson, you’d be silly to deny his greatness. He won 11 NBA championships as a head coach and was a member of the only two title teams in New York Knicks history.
If there’s only one reason to believe that Carmelo Anthony will win an NBA championship, it’s the fact that The Zen Master is the man running the show.
Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during what was one of the toughest eras in league history. He then took the Los Angeles Lakers to a combined five NBA championships during the early and late 2000s.
For perspective, the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen have a combined one NBA championship without Jackson as their head coach.
Jackson understands the human element of the game better than anyone ever has. He’s been around greatness and elevated it to new heights, which is what he has a chance to do with Anthony in New York.
Though he’s relatively new to the role of an executive, if anyone can help Anthony win, it’s The Zen Master.
Next: The Hidden Truth