Golden State Warriors Hire Mark Jackson: 5 Reasons Why He Will Turn Team Around
The Golden State Warriors hired Mark Jackson to fill the head-coaching vacancy. With the NBA draft quickly approaching, the hiring could not have come at a more ideal time.
The Warriors have struggled as a franchise since the late 1990s, but there are many factors that indicate that the team is turning the corner.
New ownership, leadership, talent on the floor and even jerseys give the team a whole new look. With Jackson at the helm, it seems we aren't far away from seeing "We Believe" gear being dusted off out of the closet.
Here are five reasons Jackson was a great hire.
Stephen Curry
1 of 5
Stephen Curry is a point guard who can pass the ball and is a pure shooter. He has serious game, but isn't playing anywhere near an All-Star level yet.
Curry couldn't ask for a better head coach than Mark Jackson, who played point guard for 17 seasons. Jackson can teach Curry how to be a floor general and how to take control of a game.
Curry has the leadership and skill set to be a premier point guard in this league. His stock just skyrocketed with the hiring of Jackson.
He's Been Coached by the Best
2 of 5
Some people are going to be critical of bringing in a first-time head coach. If it weren't for his amazing credentials on the court, I would be right alongside the naysayers.
Not only was he a phenomenal basketball player, Jackson was also coached by some of the best coaches in league history.
He played under five Hall of Fame coaches during his basketball career. Lou Carnesecca, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley and Larry Brown all had a hand in teaching Jackson the game.
It's inevitable that he will bring a mixture of their coaching styles and knowledge to the table.
Defense, Defense, Defense
3 of 5
Don Nelson seemed to blatantly ignore the defensive aspect of basketball. Keith Smart wanted to play sound defense more than he actually executed it.
Mark Jackson knows defense. He comes from a generation of basketball when defense was the key. The Warriors don't necessarily have the personnel to play great defense, but that doesn't mean they can't improve as a unit.
Nobody is expecting the Warriors to become the Spurs overnight. Even so, fans have seen firsthand that scoring 110 points doesn't result in a victory if the other team is scoring at will.
It seems as though Jackson will preach defense and be able to provide insight. What a concept.
All He Does Is Win
4 of 5
Jackson spent 17 seasons in the NBA. Fourteen of them resulted in playoff berths. Jackson was a fierce competitor as a player.
It seems logical that his competitive streak will be on display as a head coach.
The Warriors don't always seem to be competing for a victory. Oftentimes, the team seems to be some sort of scoring sideshow.
If Jackson can instill the fiery competitiveness that all great teams have, the Warriors could be playoff bound in no time at all.
They need to want it first, and Jackson could be the guy to bring that out of them. Desire is infectious, and it all starts at the top.
He Knows Personnel
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Jackson spent a lot of time around the league. He has been around great teams and knows what it takes to win. He can provide insight as to where the shortcomings are on the roster (not that they are too hard to spot).
Jackson is going to be able to identify talent in the draft and help the Warriors acquire other talent from around the league. As an NBA analyst, he has a great feel for the league and its players.
It seems as though he is going to have a voice regarding personnel. The team isn't going to form overnight, but Jackson will likely have a say in the shaping of the team.
