As we all know, Phil Jackson just passed Red Auerbach for the most championships of any NBA coach. Congratulations to him. My question to you all is: Is Phil Jackoson a great coach or is he just lucky to have some of the best players to play the game (Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'neal)? Another few questions: How much can a coach actually affect players? What's the value of coaches? What's more important, a great coach or great players? Have at it, mates!

 I've read a lot about everything related to the Blazers lately and I haven't heard anyone specifically talk about this: With Oden and Bayless are working out together this summer, they have the potential to become quite a deadly duo. If they learned how to work off of each other (aka Bayless getting Oden the ball at the hoop) they could help each other astronomically. One of Bayless' strengths is his ability to get to the rim, and if he can just dish of to Oden on his way, or lob it up for an Oden jam... BAMB! an easy two points.  It's already assumed that Oden will have the starting center spot next season, but Bayless could potentially earn his starting spot just by learning how to play with Oden. They could be a force to be reckoned with for a long time.  Thoughts?