Phil Jackson

Despite their troubles, Phil Jackson is the coach who molded Kobe Bryant into a champion. The same way he molded Michael Jordan, Jackson had the same job with Kobe. However, in the end, Jackson walked away with 11 titles as a coach thanks to two of the best players to ever play the game. Seeing Jackson on the stage giving a speech about Bryant will definitely bring tears to those in attendance and at home. Did he know Kobe the best? No, but his insight will surely bring us closer to his legend.

Their relationship was not the best. According to first-hand accounts by Kobe and Phil, things were tough. Jackson tried to demolish Bryant in books but yet, they returned as a force and wreaked havoc on the league. Their bond was just as unique as Kobe and Shaq’s as Jackson challenged him like no other. That’s what made their union as coach and player so great. They may not have liked each other at times, but ultimately learned to respect one another for the bigger goal.