Getting Traded
Banned
I think they underachieved in the regular season, actually. Almost every team goes through injuries. The exception in the WC was Portland, as only Aldridge missed a handful of games. But Clippers and Houston had almost as many games lost amongst their starters to injuries as did GS. Jackson's fate was sealed as the W's never challenged for the 4th seed and home court advantage. With 10-15 games left, they were still in danger of not making the playoffs.
But it is a case, much like it was with Hollins, of a team not reaching ownership's expectations rather than a reflection on the coach's ability. Jackson is a good coach; but he's arrogant and egotistical. He alienates the people around him. And you just can't do that if you want to keep your job...unless your name is Phil Jackson and you're winning titles.
Underachieved? No Bogut throughout the playoffs, no O'Neal in game 7 ...