It's Wednesday and it's time for some Wit and Wisdom.
This week's wise words come from NBA legend Phil Jackson.
He was a college basketball star, but to max out his potential, he had to learn that there was no I in team.
In his autobiography, Sacred Hoops, Jackson said he learned three lessons as an NBA player that transformed him as an athlete and a leader.
Lesson number three, the power of we is stronger than the power of me.
As a pro, Jackson became a reluctant but successful player for the New York Knicks, but that was cut short.
He got injured and needed spinal surgery.
He recovered, but realized his team needed something different from him.
Instead of rushing him back to play, his head coach, Red Holtzman, used Jackson as a scout, a strategist, an assistant coach.
Those things were rare back in the 60s and 70s.
All that work didn't make Jackson a star in the 1969 season, but it helped make the Knicks champions.
It also prepared Jackson for his calling as a head coach.
Three decades later, that choice led Holtzman and Jackson to be honored together among the 10 greatest NBA coaches ever.
What do you think?
And do you often sacrifice your own wants for the greater good?
Tell me in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com or email me at jamesbrowntv@gmail.com.
You can also leave me a message at 585-484-0339.
On that note, I'm James Brown, and as always, be well.
Share this post