Phil Jackson, legendary 11-time NBA champion coach and author of Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, was apparently in the plans of Chris Hanses, who was heading the group that attempted to by majority ownership of the Sacramento Kings, with the intention of relocating the franchise to Seattle.
Speaking with Jay Leno, Jackson said, "I had communication with the guy that's trying to make this move. It was serious talk. I thought he was a really good guy for the league." The NBA voted against Hansen's bid, and the Maloof brothers eventually sold their 65 percent stake in the organization to a group led by Vivek Ranadive, a software billionaire.
Ranadive is going to keep the Kings in Sacramento, and has secured a deal with Sacramento government officials for $250 million to be used toward a new arena.
Jackson has made no secret of his desire to return to the NBA, but he has made clear he does not have any interest in a head coaching job. Jackson wants to make a comeback in a front office position, but recently turned down the position of Toronto Raptors team president, which he interviewed for last week.
As for a front office spot with the Kings, Jackson said, "I won't be doing the (front-office) job in Sacramento. I like Sacramento. Well, not that much."
The offseason has not even arrived, yet the stream of speculation as to where Jackson will wind up has been relentless. He has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers as a head coaching candidate, but they eventually hired Mike Brown, who ironically replaced Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was rumored to be flirting with the Brooklyn Nets organization, although it was unclear what role the Nets had in mind.
He's been involved with the Detroit Pistons as well, in an advisory role helping the team's ownership select a new head coach.
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