ESPN and ABC NBA analyst Mark Jackson would like to coach in the league again. It’s been eight seasons since Jackson last roamed the sidelines and he’s ready to re-join the action. Where would Jackson fit in today’s NBA landscape?
“I got my phone on,” Jackson said. “I’m more than available. They know how to find me. I look forward to that day.”
What Was Mark Jackson’s Last NBA Job?
Jackson last coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011-14, helping to rebuild the franchise before the team went on a dynastic run under the guidance of Steve Kerr.
The foundation of the Warriors’ championship-level defense was built by Jackson. In his final season as head coach, the team ranked third in aDRTG.
But the Warriors needed Kerr to unlock their offense and turn them into the historical juggernaut they are.
Like players, coaches can also improve. In the eight seasons he’s been away from coaching but witnessing the game up close from his broadcast chair, has Jackson’s thoughts about offense evolved?
What NBA Team Could Mark Jackson Join As Coach?
Assuming he’s ready to embrace modern basketball instead of the “give-the-ball-to-my- best-player-and-get-out-of-the-way” strategy he still espouses on broadcasts, where could he potentially land?At present, there aren’t many teams looking to make a change at head coach. Also, Jackson is in a weird spot. Does he want to go to a franchise that is rebuilding and help them learn to win? Or is he more of a get-team-to-the-playoffs kind of guy? And he doesn’t have the hardware to be the coach you bring in when you’re ready to compete for a championship.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a team stocked with young and intriguing talent in Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey and Jalen Duren. They have no clue how to win yet, and certainly need help playing better defense. Current head coach Dwane Casey is signed through the 23-24 season. If the team gets the number-one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and takes French sensation Victor Wembanyama, general manager Troy Weaver might elect to start over with a new coach.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are two years removed from a trip to the Eastern Conference finals and they’ve been trending in the opposite direction. Star guard Trae Young is bristling with head coach Nate McMillan and after this season has two years remaining on his deal. Travis Schlenk, the team’s former president of basketball operations, just stepped down and moved into an advisory role. That could be a signal of changes to come.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have the reigning two-time MVP in Nikola Jokic and have only advanced to the conference finals once under Malone. He’s had terrible injury luck with young stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. But the team also has failed to consistently perform on the defensive end, regardless of who is available. Malone’s contract ends at the conclusion of this season and he is now working for a new boss in general manager Calvin Booth.This is the NBA, and owners can change their minds on a whim. If any of the owners of the least-stable franchises believe Jackson is the answer, they’d fire their current coach and bring Jackson in. So anything is possible.
