NBA Rumors: Power Ranking Which NBA Team Phil Jackson Will Coach Next

With the 2012 NBA Finals in full swing, the rest of the league has already moved into offseason thought processes. That would include hiring a new head coach.

That’s where the talk of coaching legend Phil Jackson comes in.

Magic insider for the Orlando Sentinel Brian Schmitz is reporting about the team’s interest in Jackson and his willingness to step back into the NBA:

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Jackson is apparently headed back to the NBA in some capacity, but he pulled out here before [Magic CEO Alex] Martins had a chance to run it by owner Rich DeVos. Martins learned of Jackson's exit Thursday, but would not comment.

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At 66 years old, there is no doubt that the coaching legend will get the itch to return to the bench at some point, it’s just a matter of where. That’s where these power rankings come in.

No. 1: Brooklyn Nets

If the newly dubbed Brooklyn Nets were to pull off a blockbuster trade bringing Dwight Howard to the team to pair with All-Star point guard Deron Williams, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that a coach like Jackson would be interested in a reclamation project like that.

There has never been a Brooklyn head coach in NBA history, and Jackson has an ego. What better way to fulfill his desire to be the best than taking over the Nets and guiding them through their transition to the new city.

While the New York Knicks were the favorites to sign the 11-time NBA champion head coach, their signing of interim head coach Mike Woodson to a three-year extension has dulled that premise a bit…

No. 2: New York Knicks

…but only a bit. The New York Knicks have the raw talent to be championship contenders, but their lack of accountability is something that has plagued them since bringing in both Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

With ties to the Knicks organization and the love of big-city basketball, the intrigue of heading to Madison Square Garden in hopes of adding a banner to the ceiling may be too much for the legend to pass on.

In the hustle and bustle of New York City, a team like the Knicks that has so many distinct personalities needs a Zen Master to keep it all in line. They would fire Woodson in a second if Jackson came calling.

No. 3: Miami Heat

While this is a much longer shot, the intrigue of working with Pat Riley may be a concept that a basketball historian like Jackson could fall in love with.

This move would totally undermine everything Erik Spoelstra has built as a head coach, but if the Heat do not win a title this season, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the organization would kick the tires on Jackson.

With three stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, imagine how crisp the offensive and defensive sets would be run in Miami.

If the Heat would agree to hire him, Jackson would certainly win a title in Miami.

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