Dorell Wright endorses new coach Mark Jackson as a true leader: NBA News
Golden State Warriors new head coach Mark Jackson does not have much experience in leading a franchise, but he has the will to excel and the urge to succeed. It was perhaps that energy that forced the new owners of the Oakland franchise to select him.
Ever since his appointment, there have been permutations and discussions about how the inexperienced coach will go about inspiring and exhorting his young team. Will they respond to a coach, who doesn’t have that much of an experience behind him? How will he go about handling them?
The first indication in this context came very recently when, Dorell Wright, the prolific Warriors sharp-shooter put his weight behind Jackson. The Warriors forward sat down for an interview and discussed how he thought the appointment of Mark Jackson as new head coach of the Warriors and the leadership qualities he brings, will help the team go to the next level.
The Golden State Warriors have a talented roster, but many believe there are not enough leaders in the side. Despite possessing an exciting trio of Wright, Stephen Curry and the brilliant Monta Ellis, the Warriors have failed to make their mark as a genuine force in the NBA.
They only won some 30 odd games last season in the league and failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs. Wright said in the interview that he was sure Mark Jackson will help the team get a winning mentality. The Warriors have a team which perhaps lacks some experience and Jackson, who has played the game for years at the highest level, could be key to compensating for it.
“I talked to him briefly before the lockout, and I think he’s gonna do a great job for our team just because of the experience he has, having played at the highest level… He’s going to be a great leader for us, which is what we needed. He’s going to be able to get us to where we need to be. If guys coming at training camp buy into the system, I think we should be a great team.”
Jackson would be pleased to hear that the locker room is getting behind him already. He, like many other new head coaches in the NBA, did not have an opportunity to build a rapport with his players and get to know the system of the team better during the offseason because of the NBA lockout.
As long as the lockout lasts the NBA players cannot contact team officials, owners and even coaches. They cannot avail training facilities of their respective franchises and cannot train with the coaches. For a new coach coming into a side, this represents a problem as it hinders the integration into the team.
Moreover the lockout looks set to delay the start of the season, or at least force the cancellation of the training camps that usually start in October. That will mean that Jackson has to take his team almost straight into the NBA season without much preparation.
It could be a particularly tough job for Mark Jackson because he has not coached at any level up until now. After retiring from playing the game Jackson became a TV Analyst known for his colourful commentary. The gig with Golden State could prove a tough learning curve for Jackson.
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