Sacred Hoops
by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty
Jackson's first book, written during the Bulls years: Zen and Lakota ideas applied to coaching, the triangle offence as a system that needs selflessness, and how to lead a star (Jordan) without the team becoming his supporting cast. It is more spiritual than Eleven Rings and more interesting for it.
Read it if…
you lead talented, ego-driven people and want a philosophy of team over star.
Skip it if…
you want practical tactics; this is philosophy through basketball.
Three things you will actually use
- Selflessness is a competitive advantage.
- Systems let stars shine without starving the team.
- Awareness beats intensity.
Do this first
Read the chapter on getting Jordan to trust the system and apply it to your best performer.
Our verdict
Team over star, with Zen.
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