Brooklyn - Don't count Big Phil out yet. Phil Jackson is reportedly "intrigued" by the prospect of coaching the Brooklyn Nets, according to CBS Sports, despite previous reports of having "no interest" in the job.
Both the Nets and Jackson would benefit from working together. Recently, Brooklyn's head coach Avery Johnson was fired after a losing streak. Many were quick to blame star Deron Williams for the firing, although he has strongly denied any involvement. Regardless, the Nets need a head coach to match the big expectations that were stoked by an 11-4 record earlier in the season.
Jackson is coming off a big disappointment himself, having been recently spurned by the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for the triangle offense, which he used with the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers to great success, Jackson would be challenged to bring his coaching style and system to the Nets. In fact, AOL Fanhouse Columnist David Whitney opines that the hyped expectations might prevent him from risking his reputation on the Nets. However, if Jackson were to find success in Brooklyn, he would finally hush up detractors who claim that his success is mostly due to coaching superstar teams.
Currently, assistant coach PJ Carlesimo is filling in the head coach position for the Nets. But given the hype surrounding the team, and the soaring ambition of billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov, it is likely that Brooklyn will look for a big name coach like Phil Jackson. Other names that have been mentioned are: Nate McMillan, Kelvin Sampson, Mike Dunleavy, Jerry Sloan, Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Rick Pitino.
