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How Phil Jackson’s brilliance traces back to the Rockets

On the most recent episode of the groundbreaking docu-series The Last Dance, the career ascension of Phil Jackson was chronicled. The 11-time NBA champion had several stops in alternate leagues before finally landing onto Doug Collins‘ staff. But when Jackson finally landed his opportunity to be the Chicago Bulls head coach, he adopted a style that was introduced to him by former Houston Rockets coach Tex Winter.

In 1971, Winter got his first NBA head coaching job in the Space City, after spending 20 years at the collegiate level. Winter remained with the Rockets until 1973, and amassed a 51-78 record during his two seasons in Houston.