SUMMARY
- Former NBA player and head coach, Phil Jackson, has faced various health issues throughout his career.
- Jackson was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which led to his retirement from coaching.
Phil Jackson is arguably one of the most popular personalities in the NBA. He was a part of the league for around four decades. Jackson served various important roles as a player, an executive, and his most infamous position was of the head coach. He had a remarkable journey, however, not one with any health issues. He has dealt with his fair share of medical issues which needed prompt attention.
Notably, Jackson debuted in the league as a player in 1967 after being picked by the New York Knicks. He played for 12 seasons, averaging 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Jackson was an exceptional basketball player with a unique skill set. He also won two NBA championship rings as a player himself before guiding other teams to eleven rings as a head coach.
Furthermore, during his coaching career, Jackson dealt with medical issues. He has undergone multiple hip and knee replacements. In addition to this, in 2003, he missed three games as a kidney stone was found and then removed. Notably, Kurt Rambis who was Jackson’s long-term assistant once discussed the head coach’s physical issues.
He said, “He’s got some physical ailments that’s slowed him down.” Rambis continued to explain that he was working on getting more mobile and active by riding bikes now and then. However, the last heath string that led him to retire from his coaching position was getting diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. This news sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
Phil Jackson recently attended the Ring of Honor ceremony
Back in May 2011, Phil Jackson revealed to the LA Lakers that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He decided to delay surgery until after the playoffs. Jackson retired after the 2010-2011 NBA season. He has revealed, “That was probably my hardest year of coaching.” Furthermore, fans have been wondering what he has been doing since retiring.
Shortly after his retirement, Jackson started penning down his journey and experience with cancer. He wrote the book, ‘Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success’ which was originally published on May 21, 2013. As per various resources, Jackson has been focusing on his personal life and writing since his retirement. Recently, he attended the Ring of Honor.
The Legendary Phil Jackson is back at the United Center. pic.twitter.com/6jQ1H1C1Bu
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 13, 2024
The Chicago Bulls celebrated their first-ever Ring of Honor class at the United Center and Jackson was honored as he is a former Bulls head coach. Notably, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman missed the celebration. Fans believe that Jordan and Pippen’s feud was the reason behind their absence, whereas, Rodman was supposed to attend but ended up not coming.
Notably, the Zen Master started his coaching career as the assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets. He joined the Bulls as the head coach in 1989. Jackson guided the team to six NBA Championship titles before joining the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the head coach for the Lakers for twenty seasons and led them to five rings. Jackson had one of the most successful coaching careers and his impact on history is everlasting.