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Phil Jackson to the Toronto Raptors?
Well, it could be an option. According to a number of recent reports, the Raptors and their organization may be gearing up to make a potential run at Jackson. Toronto though isn’t targeting him as head coach, but actually as the team’s next president perhaps. Bryan Colangelo is still the team’s president at the moment and Dwane Casey is still the Raptors head coach, but each of their futures are currently being weighed by the Toronto organization. With their jobs potentially in jeopardy, the last thing either one of them would want to hear is the name Phil Jackson. If the interest goes both ways, Jackson could be next in line in Toronto.
The connection to this rumor however, is the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Tim Leiweke. According to the recent reports, the Raptors are interested in talking with Jackson for the presidential position — something that he has been craving. Think Pat Riley in Miami and this could be a situation that Jackson is more than interested in.
On an unrelated side note, Leiweke — whose group owns the Raptors — once persuaded David Beckham to come to the United States and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. If he can do that, he might not have much trouble in persuading Jackson to come north of the border to Canada.
However, at this point it’s simply dust in the wind and another rumors, but one that could have a solid footing in the coming weeks. Jackson has been rumored and linked to potential coaching positions over the course of the past week or so, but nothing in that regard has gathered steam.
This could be exactly what Jackson is looking for, but can Toronto reel him in?
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
