Mark Jackson New Coach Of Golden State Warriors for NBA 2011-2012 Season

After leading the Golden State Warriors to a below 500 win loss record - 36 wins and 46 losses, Keith Smart's coaching contract was not renewed by the Warriors' management and so he will be replaced by the former NBA player Mark Jackson. Mark Jackson was introduced as the franchise's 24th head coach earlier today.

The Warriors' general manager, Larry Riley said that they didn't take a leap of faith in acquiring the services of the 17-year NBA veteran (Jackson) and that they believe in his capabilities and passion as a coach. They are trying to be optimistic in this decision of their's. They consider this bold move as the new beginning of the Warriors' franchise.

They also said that they like the background of Mark Jackson because he was able to experience how it was to be under the guidance of some of the legendary coaches in the NBA, such as Lenny Wilkens, Larry Brown, Jerry Sloan and Pat Riley. Jackson, according to them, also satisfies the requirements that Jerry West pset for the franchise. West wants to have a coach who had a long NBA playing experience. Mark Jackson had 17 years of NBA experience under his belt. West also wants a jolly coach and at the same time a former NBA point guard so that the coach can guide Stephen Curry. It just so happened that Jackson played point guard during his long NBA career. West believes that, that's perfect for Stephen Curry. Hopefully, Jackson can teach Curry some valuable lessons that can make him a better point guard than Steve Nash.

Mark Jackson is also known as a defensive advocate. He was the one who formulated the defensive imperative in the NBA when he said “hand down, man down.” That imperative will definitely help improve David Lee's weak defensive skills. I just wish Jackson good luck and hopefully he can bring home the bacon for Golden State.

To give you some ideas on what Jackson can bring to the table for the Warriors, here's a highlight video featuring Mark Jackson courtesy of YouTube.