On April 1, Mark Jackson turned 50. So to celebrate his birthday, a bunch of celebrities agreed to send their well wishes as part of a 40-minute birthday video. That video, which you can watch above, features everyone from Big Tigger and Roland Martin to Magic Johnson and John Calipari wishing Jackson a happy 50th.
When it was Chris Rock's turn to send Jackson a message, he decided to do more than just congratulate him for turning the big 5-0, though. He also decided to make a joke at Jackson's expense. In fact, his message really didn't have much to do with Jackson's birthday at all. Instead, the comedian joked about how much better the Warriors—the team Jackson coached from 2011 through 2014—have been playing on the defensive end of the ball since he was replaced by Steve Kerr.
"I know what you're thinking," Rock said. "You watch the games and you go, 'Oh, so now Steph Curry's going to play defense for the white man? Couldn't play it for the brother. Now he's like Dennis Rodman."
"Couldn't do it for you," he continued. "Yeah, everybody's boxing out now. Couldn't do it for a black man. Oh, they play some defense for the white man, don't they? Oh, they play some good defense for the white man."
In fairness to Jackson, the Warriors aren't that much better on defense this season when you go strictly by the numbers. They're giving up 99.3 points per game this year as opposed to 99.5 PPG last year. But the Warriors have been playing a different brand of defense this season that uses their strength, size, and depth to their advantage. So Rock isn't totally off base here when he says that the Warriors have made defense an emphasis this season under Kerr.
At any rate, check out the clip above to hear his joke (Rock's part starts at the 9:33 mark). What a way to wish a guy a happy 50th birthday. Ha.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.
[via Inside the Warriors]
