Phil Jackson on Finishing Second and Agency

From the weekend, Phil Jackson being interviewed by Magic Johnson about a bunch of different topics. The first thing they talked about was going for 10 Championships. I just like what Coach Jackson said about coming in 2nd. It really is the worst feeling in the world. Most people think that when you come in 2nd, you should be proud to have reached the finals. And to some extent yes, as a coach, as a player, as a competitor, its a good feeling that you reached the end where everyone else was watching and you were still playing. But, you never quite get it out of your mind. Why you lost, what would you do different. It sticks with you, the regret, the sense of failure. Its not like when you come in 3rd or 7th or 10th, there is a sense that, well we tried the best and that's all one can hope for. When you come in 2nd there is a profound sense that you lost because you did something wrong.

Second thing they talked about which I thought was interesting was about agency (3:00 in the video). For example, one could say why does Kobe take 30 shots a game?? Well, on the one hand you can look at it like Kobe is selfish and there isn't anything his teammates can do about it. Or, maybe its because his teammates allow Kobe to shoot 30 shots a game, through their non-action, forcing Kobe to put the offense all on him. Sometimes the reward for doing a great job, is more work. Which really isn't fair at all. Players need to understand that they are responsible for both their actions, and lack of action. Everything you do or don't do affects the behaviors and actions of others.



For more info on the Lakers' famed triangle offense take a look at Tex Winter's DVD on the Encyclopedia of the Triangle Offense. Coach Winters is of course the longtime assistant to Phil Jackson. Don't forget to check out the X's and O's Basketball Forum to discuss this and any of your favorite basketball topics.