Mark Jackson Regrets Not Calling Timeout After Kobe Bryant’s Achilles Injury


Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson has always been a bit of a Kobe Bryant fanboy. Jackson told the media that he regrets not calling a timeout, out of respect, when Bean tore his Achilles tendon last season against the Dubs. Per the San Fran Chronicle: “If I would have known that Kobe Bryant was hurt, I would have called a timeout,’ Jackson said before the Warriors’ opened their season Wednesday night against the Lakers, a team that is still without Kobe Bryant as he recovers from the April 12 Achilles injury he sustained against the Warriors. ‘They would not have had to commit a foul. That’s how much respect I have for him and how much I appreciate him as a competitor. Even in the midst of going against him, I’m in the huddle going, ‘Don’t fall for the okey-doke. He’s alright. Don’t allow him to take over this game.’ I didn’t know he was really hurt. If I had to do it again, I would have called a timeout and allowed him to walk off of the floor.’ While the teams were on a week-long trip in China this month, Jackson found the time to pull Bryant aside and tell the shooting guard of the regret. In his typical fiery fashion, Bryant thanked Jackson but said he’s still coming after the Warriors when he’s healthy. ‘He’ll be fine. I don’t look forward to facing him,’ Jackson said. ‘As a fan of the game, you hope he comes back. You don’t bet against a guy like that. I’m sure he’ll come back and still be great.'”