Wednesday, June 21, 2000
LOS ANGELES - Mark Jackson isn't making any plans for next season. He is very
much open to suggestion.
But through the disappointment of losing the NBA title to the Lakers on
Monday, the Pacers point guard did speak about the Celtics' situation. Jackson
is a free agent and has made clear his affection for Rick Pitino.
``He's a great, great coach. He's the best I've ever played for,'' said
Jackson, who played for Pitino for two seasons (1987-88 and '88-89) with the New
York Knicks. ``It certainly is intriguing, no question about it.
``(Pitino) was just the best coach,'' added Jackson, not avoiding the
comparisons to Larry Bird, his coach the last three seasons with Indiana. ``I
really loved playing for (Pitino). He gave me an opportunity. And I love his
style. It's definitely intriguing.''
In that the Celtics are in the market for a point guard, Jackson is at least
someone to consider.
Jackson has a lot to consider, as well.
``Well I don't know,'' he said. ``I thank God that he's put me in a position
to be seen and that I can still get the job done. And now I'm just a free agent.
Things will work out.''
As for whether he'd rather stay with the Pacers and take another run at a
crown with this crew, Jackson replied: ``I can't really say. I'm a free agent.
I'm not getting into first and second choices. Everything's wide open right
now.''
Bird lauded the efforts of Jackson and Reggie Miller, both free agents who
would have rather had their situations dealt with prior to the season.
``They're professionals,'' Bird said. ``They talk a lot, but when they get on
the floor they usually play hard. I talked to Reggie and Mark before the year. I
know they were upset. Reggie promised me he would play hard for me and he has.
And I know that the success they had during the year is probably going to
dictate whether or not they re-sign with Indiana. They've done everything
they're capable of doing and they'll probably be rewarded for
it.''<<<<<<<<<<<<<<