Phil Jackson: Spurs are not a dynasty
Phil Jackson owns a 4-1 playoff series record against the Spurs. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Knicks president Phil Jackson had plenty of opportunities to compete against the Spurs during his years coaching the Lakers. Yet despite San Antonio's four NBA titles and 17 straight postseason appearances during the Tim Duncan Era, Jackson doesn't believe the Spurs constitute a dynasty.
While explaining to the media Wednesday how he wants Carmelo Anthony to provide the Knicks more salary cap/luxury tax flexibility by taking less money in free agency, Jackson credited Spurs veteran Tim Duncan for making a similar sacrifice in San Antonio -- a move that helped the Spurs attain the NBA's best record and No. 1 playoff seed this year.
But just as Jackson appeared to compliment the Spurs, he backtracked and took a jab at his old Western Conference rivals.
“Tim Duncan making the salary he's making after being part of a dynasty - not a dynasty, I wouldn't call San Antonio a dynasty -- a force, a great force,” Jackson said. “They haven't been able to win consecutive championships but they've always been there. San Antonio has had a wonderful run through Tim's tenure there as a player. He's agreed to take a salary cut so other players can play with him so they can be this good. And that's the beginning of team play.”
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Jackson's five NBA titles in 11 seasons at the helm of the Lakers included a 4-1 playoff series record over the Spurs and Gregg Popovich.
