Though it has been 20+ years since we have seen the Lakers and Celtics tangle in the finals, this year's edition has one very familiar look - Phil Jackson.

Jackson, currently in his 8th season as head coach of the Lakers, led his team to three consecutive NBA Championships in his first three seasons with Los Angeles (2000-02). Overall, Jackson has guided his teams to nine NBA Championships, tying him for first with the late Red Auerbach.

In January of 2007, Jackson won his 900th game, currently placing him 9th on the All-time win list for NBA coaches. With this win, Jackson became the fastest to reach 900 career wins, doing so in only 1,264 games and beating Pat Riley's previous record of 900 in 1,278 games. His current record of 976-418 is without question impressive. Additionally, Jackson ranks first all time in NBA postseason history with a .699 winning percentage (179-77) while his 179 wins are the highest postseason victory total for any head coach.

Jackson is known for his use of the triangle offense as well as a holistic approach to coaching that is influenced by Eastern philosophy, earning him the nickname "Zen Master".  His approach has drawn criticism, but undoubtedly it has also produced results.

Is Jackson that good or has he simply been in the right places at the right times?

He had Michael Jordan for six titles and any coach in the NBA could have won a couple earlier this decade with Kobe and Shaq. Managing those personalities certainly wasn't an easy task, but just because he was cool enough to do it, doesn't automatically annoint Jackson as the greatest coach ever.  That's OK to Phil though because the rings and paychecks already have.

NBA phil jackson, bulls, lakers, red auerbach, michael jordan, pat riley, kobe bryant, shaquille o'neal