Parallels

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

Rick Carlisle, who preceded Phil Jackson at the post game press conference Sunday, was drafted by Red Auerbach and contributed to one of the two Association dynasties of the 1980s. Jackson was drafted by Red Holzman and served as a bench player for one of two dynasties of the 1970s. Neither possessed exceptional skill although they were able to fill a role and enhance team chemistry for the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks respectively. Both espouse a similar coaching style: fluid motion offence and tough man-to-man defence, as adept at cajoling superstars as building teams. Both coaches have adapted …