Recently, two key figures behind basketball dynasties of the 1990s and 2000s published books outlining their philosophies and paths to success. Sage coach Phil Jackson penned 11 Rings and determined trainer Tim Grover authored Relentless. Some may fine the tone of the books to be supercilious, as it should be easy to win when coaching and training Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The average coach/trainer is unlikely to lead two of the ten best players of all-time but can learn from these works, which shed light on some of the most resolute personalities in basketball.
Firstly, neither Jordan nor Bryant achieved instantaneous success. Despite practicing hard, both still needed to experience failure in the playoffs before turning to Tim Grover to improve their performance. Each played for two coaches before Phil Jackson was hired to take their teams to the next level. Although both superstars were confident in their abilities, they had to re-evaluate themselves and what they wanted to achieve and adjust. All parties admit that they all benefitted from the relationships described in the books.
Out of the two books, Relentless is the most concise. It is not a foolproof manual to create a an elite athlete but can provide a motivational boost to start a new season or workout plan. You can say that “everyone on the team will be a cleaner like Dwyane Wade” but words will not make it so, only actions. Jordan, Bryant and Wade are some of the toughest competitors to have ever played the game and they are more engaged than the average player. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice the time, make the commitment and experience the pain that they did. Grover and many of his clients share a mindset (which is the title of the book) which is the foundation for all the work that they do. For players who are not yet relentless, the book can show them the little things they must begin doing to change their outcome on the court.
Nevertheless, anyone – professional athlete or bus driver – can become a “cleaner” with dedication. Claiming responsibility, assessing the situation, taking initiative, looking after the details and holding oneself accountable to high standards are behaviours that everyone can demonstrate. Perhaps Relentless can help someone who is hesitant about making a change by reminding them that they are in control of their own destiny.
11 Rings begins as a departure from most sports books, which often recount games or retell notorious stories. Phil Jackson discusses a handful of incidents that occurred and how they affected him. When he explains how his coaching beliefs aided him in a specific case, he outlines the inspiration behind the idea and illuminates how his philosophy evolved. Labelling the coach as merely a Zen practitioner or master of the sideline triangle offense unfairly dismiss the myriad of experiences that shaped him. Everyone is capable of lifelong learning, continuous improvement and self-actualization, providing that they remain as hungry as Jackson has been over the years.
The behind the scenes perspective behind the 1970s New York Knicks and 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasties is insightful, featuring a bevy of facts previously unknown. Unfortunately, the book begins to drag as Jackson discusses his later years with the Los Angeles Lakers, listing the play-by-play of famous televised games and sometimes withholding the truth (Game 6 vs. Sacramento in 2002 was not simply an instant when the team’s resolve shone brightest (or at least, no brighter than Dick Bavetta’s yearning for the spotlight). The reader metamorphoses from an eager student to a disengaged page-turner, a disappointing turn for the worse. Devoting more time to editing and focusing on a small number of critical moments would have created a classic basketball book.
The lesson of 11 Rings is not that coaches should fall in love with the latest idea heard at a clinic but remain confident in themselves, free to incorporate elements from their personal lives into their coaching style in order to become more complete. Adaptability is imperative; Jackson did not force the same meditation techniques onto every team and player that he coached but adjusted to the needs of individual. Jackson credits mindfulness – remaining attuned to what is happening at the moment – for his ability to diagnose what is wrong with a team and identifying how it should be fixed. Recently, mindfulness training has also helped adolescents struggling with their emotions and returning soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder regain control in their lives. Perhaps this accounts for the positive change Dennis Rodman made after his his tumultuous year in San Antonio in 1995 in order to participate in the Bulls’ second dynasty before reverting the following year in Los Angeles.
Michael Jordan, Tim Grover and Phil Jackson demonstrate a key point about leadership that is made in both books. A leader cannot simply remain where they are and expect others to follow themselve on their own. A leader must meet followers and nurture them towards the goal. Jordan was known for glaring at teammates but he developped as a leader as the Bulls won championships. Grover identified a need (the physical defense of the Detroit Pistons) and showed how he could help Jordan overcome that adversity. Jackson did not arrive in Los Angeles in 1999 and implement wholesale changes to transform the Lakers into the Bulls but learnt about his new team and introduced some tenets of his philosophy where appropriate while modifying others.
Each possessed their own way of telling others “you better take care of this situation” and empowering them to do so. Jordan invited Scottie Pippen and Ron Harper to his “Breakfast Club” workout sessions with Grover so they could gain the physical tools needed to withstand a 72-10 season. Grover knew that when recovering from injuries, stengthening the mind of the athlete was as important as strengthening their body and rebuilt Wade’s knee and his self-confidence. Jackson wanted his teams to play through difficulties on the court without a timeout and read the defense and adjust without cues from the coaches. Diverse methods of establishing lofty goals and guiding others step-by-step to achieve them.