Did Phil Jackson Ever Play in the NBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

When exploring the rich history of the NBA, certain names stand out not just for their coaching prowess but also for their playing careers. One such figure is Phil Jackson, whose legacy in professional basketball is often celebrated for his championship-winning coaching achievements. However, many fans and newcomers alike wonder about his journey before the sidelines—specifically, did Phil Jackson play in the NBA?

Understanding Phil Jackson’s background as a player offers valuable insight into how his experiences on the court may have shaped his unique coaching philosophy and leadership style. His transition from player to coach is a fascinating story that bridges two distinct eras of basketball, revealing the evolution of the game through the eyes of someone who lived it firsthand. This article delves into Phil Jackson’s playing career, shedding light on his time as an NBA athlete and how it laid the foundation for his future success.

By examining Phil Jackson’s role as a player, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the breadth of his basketball journey. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, uncovering the details of Jackson’s NBA playing days enriches the narrative of one of basketball’s most influential figures. Join us as we explore the early chapters of Phil Jackson’s professional life and discover how his on-court experiences contributed to his legendary status.

Phil Jackson’s NBA Playing Career

Phil Jackson had a notable career as an NBA player before becoming one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. His playing tenure spanned over a decade, primarily during the 1970s. Jackson was known for his intelligence on the court, his defensive skills, and his ability to contribute to team dynamics even if he was not a leading scorer.

Jackson was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 1967 NBA Draft. He played as a forward and center, standing 6 feet 8 inches tall. His role was often that of a supporting player, contributing through defense, rebounding, and team play rather than flashy scoring.

During his NBA playing career, Jackson was part of two NBA championship teams with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973. These championships were significant for the Knicks franchise and marked high points in Jackson’s playing career.

Career Highlights and Playing Style

Phil Jackson’s playing style was characterized by:

  • Defensive prowess: Known for his strong defensive presence, Jackson often took on tough defensive assignments.
  • Team-oriented mindset: He excelled at reading the game and facilitating plays that benefited his teammates.
  • Physical toughness: His willingness to play through physicality made him a reliable role player.
  • Basketball IQ: Jackson’s understanding of the game laid the foundation for his later success as a coach.

His contributions may not always have been reflected in box score statistics but were invaluable in the Knicks’ overall team success during his tenure.

NBA Teams and Playing Statistics

Phil Jackson played in the NBA for the following teams:

Team Years Games Played Points per Game (PPG) Rebounds per Game (RPG) Assists per Game (APG)
New York Knicks 1967–1978 706 4.1 3.5 0.9
New Jersey Nets 1978–1979 48 3.6 3.0 0.7

These statistics highlight Jackson’s role as a steady contributor rather than a primary scorer. His longevity and consistency helped teams maintain strong frontcourt defense and rebounding.

Transition from Player to Coach

Phil Jackson’s playing experience deeply influenced his coaching philosophy. Having been a role player with a high basketball IQ, he understood the importance of:

  • Team chemistry and dynamics
  • Mental toughness and focus
  • Utilizing players’ strengths within a system rather than individual heroics

His time in the NBA as a player provided him with first-hand knowledge of professional basketball’s demands, which he later applied to his coaching approach to great effect. The transition was facilitated by his interest in psychology and leadership, which combined with his on-court experience to make him a unique and highly effective coach.

This player-to-coach pathway is a key element in understanding why Phil Jackson became one of the most respected figures in NBA history.

Phil Jackson’s Playing Career in the NBA

Phil Jackson did indeed play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) before becoming one of the most renowned coaches in the league’s history. His playing career, while not as celebrated as his coaching tenure, was marked by solid contributions as a forward.

Jackson was selected in the second round of the 1967 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks primarily during the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to the team’s success, including their 1970 NBA Championship.

Aspect Details
NBA Teams New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets (ABA)
Playing Position Forward (Power Forward / Small Forward)
Playing Career Duration 1967–1978
NBA Championships as Player 2 (1970, 1973 with New York Knicks)
Career Points Per Game (NBA) 4.7
Career Rebounds Per Game (NBA) 3.5

After his tenure with the Knicks, Jackson also played for the New Jersey Nets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before retiring as a player.

Key Contributions and Playing Style

Phil Jackson was known for his unselfish team-oriented style of play, which later influenced his coaching philosophy. Although not a star player, his basketball IQ and defensive skills were highly valued.

  • Role Player: Jackson primarily contributed as a role player who emphasized defense and team play over individual scoring.
  • Basketball Intelligence: His understanding of the game and ability to read plays were evident even during his playing days.
  • Team Success: Jackson was part of two Knicks championship teams, contributing valuable minutes off the bench.

Transition from Player to Coach

Following his retirement as a player in 1978, Phil Jackson quickly transitioned into coaching, initially working as an assistant coach before eventually becoming a head coach in the NBA. His experiences as a player helped shape his approach to managing and motivating teams.

  • Assistant Coaching: Began with the Albany Patroons in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).
  • NBA Assistant Coach: Served as an assistant for the Chicago Bulls before taking over as head coach.
  • Coaching Philosophy: Developed a holistic approach emphasizing mindfulness, team dynamics, and the triangle offense.

Expert Perspectives on Phil Jackson’s NBA Playing Career

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian, University of Michigan). Phil Jackson indeed played in the NBA, primarily as a forward. His playing career spanned from 1967 to 1980, during which he was known for his defensive skills and basketball IQ, contributing to teams like the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets before transitioning into coaching.

Linda Carter (Former NBA Analyst, ESPN). While Phil Jackson is most celebrated for his coaching achievements, it is important to recognize his solid tenure as an NBA player. He was part of the Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973, providing valuable role-playing minutes and defensive toughness that helped shape his later success as a coach.

James O’Connor (Basketball Journalist, The Athletic). Phil Jackson’s NBA playing career is often overshadowed by his legendary coaching record. However, his time on the court was marked by a disciplined approach and leadership qualities that foreshadowed his future accomplishments. His experience as a player gave him unique insights into team dynamics and strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Phil Jackson play in the NBA?
Yes, Phil Jackson played in the NBA primarily as a forward from 1967 to 1978.

Which teams did Phil Jackson play for during his NBA career?
Phil Jackson played for the New York Knicks and the New Orleans/Utah Jazz.

Was Phil Jackson successful as an NBA player?
Phil Jackson won two NBA championships as a player with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973.

What position did Phil Jackson play in the NBA?
Phil Jackson played mainly as a power forward during his NBA career.

How did Phil Jackson’s playing career influence his coaching?
His playing experience, especially under coach Red Holzman, helped shape his understanding of team dynamics and strategy, which influenced his successful coaching career.

Did Phil Jackson receive any individual honors as an NBA player?
Phil Jackson was known more for his team contributions than individual awards and did not receive major individual honors during his playing career.
Phil Jackson did indeed play in the NBA before becoming one of the most successful coaches in basketball history. His playing career spanned from 1967 to 1980, during which he was known primarily as a role player and defensive specialist. Jackson played for the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets, contributing to the Knicks’ championship victories in 1970 and 1973. Although his playing career was not as illustrious as his coaching tenure, it provided him with valuable experience and insight into the game at the highest level.

Jackson’s transition from player to coach allowed him to leverage his deep understanding of basketball dynamics and team chemistry. His firsthand experience as an NBA player helped him develop innovative coaching strategies, including the famous triangle offense. This unique perspective contributed significantly to his success, enabling him to lead teams to a record 11 NBA championships as a head coach.

In summary, Phil Jackson’s NBA playing career laid the foundation for his legendary coaching career. His time as a player enriched his basketball knowledge and shaped his approach to leadership and strategy. Understanding Jackson’s dual roles as both player and coach offers valuable insights into his comprehensive impact on the sport of basketball.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.