Ex-Warriors coach Jackson to Popovich: 'Losing a Game 7 on the road can cost you your job'
The cocoon is still angry.
It was tongue-in-cheek, but for former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson the intent was certainly bitter.
Jackson was part of the ESPN broadcast crew for Game 1 between the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. When the topic turned to Saturday's Game 7 thriller between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs, Jackson offered losing Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich a facetious warning.
Mark Jackson with the zinger! "Losing a Game 7 on the road can cost you your job." #Warriors #Grizzlies
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) May 3, 2015
Jackson was referring to his last game as the head coach of the Warriors and the quip was intended as a joke. Popovich is unquestionably the best coach in the game and there is no chance the Spurs would dismiss him.
Meanwhile, Jackson's latest comments would appear to fall in line with the icy tone he has taken toward the Warriors following their decision to fire him last summer.
Apparently, Jackson still doesn't see the mountain of reasons - clashing with management, clashing with assistants, alienating Andrew Bogut, an wholly uncreative offense - that led to the Warriors' choice to hire Steve Kerr (which has paid off handsomely, no less). It was for those reasons - not losing to Los Angeles in a tough Game 7 - that cost Jackson the gig.