Michael Jordan saw what Phil Jackson can do on the sidelines. He believes it will be no different in the front office. And so Jordan sees no problem for Jackson finding the same sort of success as the Knicks president as he experienced as a coach.
“Phil can do some good things with them because he’s gifted,” Jordan told ESPN Monday. “Phil is fantastic at managing egos and personalities, getting everyone on the same page and maxing out whatever potential is there for what should be the common and ultimate goal.
“Just because he’s never been an executive before doesn’t mean he can’t do that. He’s wanted to do it for a while now, and I know he can do it … so long as he has the necessary pieces in place.”
Jackson will be introduced as the Knicks president Tuesday at 11 a.m.
“Phil is great,” said Jordan, now chairman of the Bobcats. “He’s very smart. He’ll figure out pretty quickly what needs to get done.”
And while Jordan was the physical force behind Jackson’s six championships with the Bulls, the help stops there.
“None of us [fellow execs] will be willing to give up great players or draft picks,” Jordan said.