Mark Jackson not bitter about Warriors' success with new coach

ESPN held media calls for the 2015 NBA Finals with analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Jackson, just one season removed from the head coaching spot of the current Western Conference Champion Golden State Warriors, was asked about watching his former squad take things to the next level.

Gianina Thompson: Mark, does it feel awkward sitting there watching the guys that you coached a couple years ago take these steps further?

Mark Jackson: Great question, and the answer is no. As a kid, I dreamt of playing in the NBA, I dreamt of coaching in the NBA, and I dreamt of announcing in the NBA, and I've fulfilled each and every one of those roles, and I'm extremely blessed. At the end of the day, I am absolutely winning, and I thank God for the platform that I have.

I've seen people fade to black when they were fired or let go. I'm fortunate enough to have a job and a topnotch job working with incredible friends that I've known for over 25 years.

ESPN and ABC have been great to me. So we move on. It's absolutely ‑‑ and I'm not exaggerating. It's easy for me. As I told Jeff, I'm too blessed to be stressed. I'm about to be part of an incredible team calling another NBA Finals. Doesn't get any better.

That's a very classy response from Jackson, but deep down you know there's got to be some tiny iota of resentment as he watches a brand-spanking-new coach take the Warriors to the NBA Finals.