During the winter, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd sought coaching assistance from the man many regard as the best to ever do it: Phil Jackson.
The Mavericks took a significant stride forward in their development last season, surprising many by reaching the NBA Finals. It was a long cry from the team that didn’t make the playoffs in 2023-24. However, head coach Jason Kidd was able to develop camaraderie between top players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and the results last season spoke for themselves.
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However, despite their success, they were unable to achieve the ultimate aim of winning Dallas’ second NBA championship. The organization made multiple offseason changes to enhance the roster, including the signing of future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson. However, this does not rule out the possibility of improving the coaching staff. This summer, Kidd sought advice from coaches both inside and outside of the NBA. He even drew attention when he traveled to Pittsburgh Steelers camp to probe the brain of head coach Mike Tomlin. However, a more critical secret meeting took place between the staff and a great basketball coach.
“It was incredible to be able to talk the triangle,” Kidd told NBA Insider Marc Stein about his trip to Montana to meet with Phil Jackson. “To have Phil lead us through the triangle on his basketball floor. To be able to discuss basketball. This was a master class. To see a video, which he was running. It felt weird to be in the same room as one of the greats, talking basketball. I think he’s a genius at basketball.”
The legendary Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers coach is well-known for his use of the infamous triangle to great effect during his tenures with both teams. Should Dallas Mavericks fans expect their club to use the set?
What about the 2024-25 season? “I believe we have the personnel to run some version of the triangle,” Kidd said. “To put guys in diverse positions so they may be successful. One thing I discovered about the triangle was that the Lakers teams did not dribble much. Lots of passing. Holding the ball for two seconds and then getting off of it should be something we can do.”
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