Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s the detailed information on Phil Jackson:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Philip Douglas Jackson
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on September 17, 1945
  • Hometown: Deer Lodge, Montana, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm)
  • Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: 18 (with the New York Knicks)
  • Position: Power Forward
  • High School: Williston High School in Williston, North Dakota
  • College: University of North Dakota
  • NBA Draft: 1967 NBA Draft, 2nd round, 17th overall pick by the New York Knicks
  • Teams Played For:
    • New York Knicks (1967–1978)
    • New Jersey Nets (1978–1980)
  • Championship Rings:
    • As a Player: 2 NBA Championships with the New York Knicks (1970, 1973)
    • As a Coach: 11 NBA Championships (6 with the Chicago Bulls in 1991–1993, 1996–1998; 5 with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
  • Kids: 5 children (Ben, Charlie, Elizabeth, Chelsea, Brooke)
  • Siblings: 2 brothers and 2 sisters (Charles, Joe, Ruth, and Jeanie)

Player Archetype / Play Style

Phil Jackson’s player archetype was that of an intelligent defensive forward and high-feel glue guy, a rangy frontcourt piece whose value came more from instincts, positioning, and team play than from featured scoring. At 6-foot-8 and about 220 pounds, he had long arms, solid mobility, and enough size to work at power forward while using anticipation and effort to make life difficult for opposing scorers. Defensively, he filled a rugged complementary role, helping with switches, contests, and physical half-court work, while offensively he functioned mostly as a low-usage support player who moved the ball, finished opportunistically, and stayed within the structure of the offense. His overall play style was unselfish, cerebral, and role-driven, fitting the mold of a dependable reserve and eventual starter whose toughness and basketball IQ translated well on winning teams. (Basketball Reference)

Notes:

  • Phil Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches in history, known for his success with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, leading teams led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. His 11 NBA championships as a coach are the most in league history.
  • Phil Jackson’s height is officially listed at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm). With shoes, his height would typically be around 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm).
  • Phil Jackson’s playing weight during his NBA career was listed at 220 pounds (100 kg).

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Phil Jackson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status, and more
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Phil Jackson – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Britannica — Phil Jackson | Biography, Titles, Teams, & Facts