"Go ahead, you take a shot. It's not necessary to make it, then we'll get into the game" - Toni Kukoc gives insight into Phil Jackson's coaching

During the Chicago Bulls dynasty, one person had a tougher task than most. That man was Phil Jackson, and he was probably the only one who could handle all the egos in the locker room. Zen Master started his tenure in Wind City in 1989, and it took only two years before he delivered the first ring.

His demeanor and, at moments, unorthodox approach to managing a team left a lifelong impression on all the players he coached. One of those players was Toni Kukoc , who was a vital cog during a second three-peat. His energy and ability of the bench gave the Bulls a spark that propelled them in numerous games and playoff series.

So, during his stay in Chicago, the Waiter had his fair share of Jackson moments, and he shared one of them in a recent interview.

"Phil had a different way of leading the team, a different way of coaching," said Kukoc. "He had his own phrases during the game. We would start the game poorly, there would be a few unreasonable shots missed, and then he would call a timeout. He would ask us, 'Who hasn't taken a shot yet?' We would point out who hadn't, and he would say, 'Go ahead, you take a shot. It's not necessary to make it, then we'll get into the game.'"

Phil knew how to galvanize the Bulls

Jacksons' approach worked as during his six rings with the Bulls, the team won an average of 63 games and had one of the most dominant seasons ever, with a 72-10 record. So, it is safe to say that his methods were ideal.

But it is easier to coach when you are winning; like any team, the Bulls also had bad nights, and Phil's genius was vital on those occasions.

"We were losing at halftime against Orlando by 24 points. He walked into the locker room, everyone had their heads down, and he would come in and say, 'We have them exactly where we wanted,'" added Kukoc.

Jackson brought out the best in his players

Zen Master was never known as a general or as somebody who tried to kill players' creativity or alter their game, so he was the ideal person for the job of handling Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, and the rest of the Bulls. He gave players a lot of freedom, but he always tried to get the best out of them.

Kukoc felt that when he joined as a young European star, the NBA was not so open toward players outside the US. Nevertheless, Toni proved his worth to the coach, players, and the team and helped secure three more rings. He ended up with a Hall of Fame resume and joined several Bulls and their coach in Springfield.

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