Jack McKinney: The Visionary Coach Behind Showtime Lakers

Jack McKinney was the mastermind behind the transformation of the Los Angeles Lakers into the “Showtime Lakers.” His innovative coaching decisions, such as making Magic Johnson the point guard, revolutionized the game. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by a devastating bicycle accident that left him with a life-threatening head injury. This tragedy forced him to step down, leaving what could have been a legendary coaching career unfulfilled.

Introduction

Jack McKinney is a name that might not resonate as loudly as other NBA legends, but his contributions to basketball, especially during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, are monumental. His innovative strategies and fearless approach to coaching laid the groundwork for the Lakers’ dominance in the 1980s. However, a tragic bicycle accident cut short what could have been one of the greatest coaching careers in NBA history. This article explores the life, achievements, and unfortunate turn of events that marked Jack McKinney’s journey.

Early Life and Coaching Career

Jack McKinney was born on July 13, 1935, in Chester, Pennsylvania. His journey in basketball began at Saint Joseph’s University, where he played as a guard. After graduation, he served as an assistant coach under Jack Ramsay at Saint Joseph’s before taking the helm as head coach. McKinney’s early coaching career was marked by his ability to develop young talent and his innovative approach to the game, which caught the attention of NBA executives.

Jack McKinney’s Lakers Tenure

In 1979, Jack McKinney was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. This was his first NBA head-coaching job, and he was tasked with transforming a team that had been struggling to regain its former glory. McKinney’s vision for the Lakers was revolutionary. He decided to make the 6-foot-9 rookie Magic Johnson the point guard, a move that was unheard of at the time. By shifting Norm Nixon, the established point guard, to the shooting guard position, and integrating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar into a fast-paced offense, McKinney laid the foundation for the “Showtime Lakers.”

Jack McKinney’s Bicycle Accident

On November 8, 1979, just 13 games into the season, Jack McKinney’s life took a tragic turn. While riding his bicycle to play tennis, McKinney suffered a severe accident when the gears of his bike locked, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. The impact resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma for several days. This accident not only ended his time with the Lakers but also altered the course of NBA history.

The Impact of the Accident

The accident had a profound impact on Jack McKinney’s life and career. He was unable to return to his coaching duties, and his assistant, Paul Westhead, took over as head coach. Under Westhead, and with the assistance of Pat Riley, the Lakers went on to win the NBA Championship in the 1979-1980 season. While McKinney’s strategies were still in place, he was no longer the man leading the team, and his contributions were overshadowed by those who came after him.

What Happened to Jack McKinney?

After his recovery, Jack McKinney went on to coach the Indiana Pacers, where he earned the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1981. Despite this accolade, his career never fully recovered from the accident. He later coached the Kansas City Kings and worked briefly as an assistant coach, but the traumatic brain injury had lasting effects that made it difficult for him to maintain the same level of success he once had.

Jack McKinney’s Death

Jack McKinney passed away on September 25, 2018, at the age of 83. He spent his later years in Florida, far removed from the spotlight of the NBA. His death marked the end of a life that was both inspiring and tragic. While he never received the widespread recognition he deserved, those who knew the game understood the magnitude of his contributions to basketball.

Jack McKinney’s Legacy

Jack McKinney’s legacy is one of innovation and resilience. He was a coach who wasn’t afraid to take risks, and his decisions helped shape one of the most iconic teams in NBA history. The “Showtime Lakers” became synonymous with success, and much of that success can be traced back to McKinney’s vision. Even though his career was tragically cut short, his influence on the game of basketball remains undeniable.

The “What If” Scenario

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jack McKinney’s story is the “what if” scenario. What if McKinney had not had that accident? What if he had been able to continue coaching the Lakers? Many believe that he could have been one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, potentially leading the Lakers to multiple championships. This scenario is a reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly circumstances can change the course of history.

Conclusion

Jack McKinney’s story is both inspirational and tragic. He was a coach who dared to think differently, and his ideas transformed the game of basketball. His accident is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the fleeting nature of success. While he may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Jack McKinney’s contributions to the sport will never be forgotten by those who understand the game. His legacy lives on in the fast-paced, dynamic style of play that continues to define the NBA today.