Stephen Jackson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Position | Small forward |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 218 lb (99 kg) |
| Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Jersey | #1 |
| Born | April 5, 1978 Port Arthur, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | Lincoln, Port Arthur, Oak Hill Academy, Virginia |
| College | Butler Community College[1] |
| Draft | 2nd round, 43rd overall, 1997 Phoenix Suns |
| Pro career | 2000–present |
| Former teams | New Jersey Nets 2000-01 San Antonio Spurs 2001-03 Atlanta Hawks 2003-04 Indiana Pacers 2004-07 |
Stephen Jesse Jackson (born April 5, 1978 in Port Arthur, Texas) is an American professional basketball player and a co-captain for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Jackson, a 6'8" swingman, is currently in his 8th NBA season.
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[edit] Biography
Stephen Jackson prepped at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, Texas before transferring to Oak Hill Academy (Virginia) where he earned All-America honors in 1996. He was the leading scorer in the 1996 McDonald's All-American game, on a team that included Kobe Bryant, Jermaine O'Neal and Tim Thomas.[2] Following a commitment to join the University of Arizona, Jackson was ruled academically ineligible.[3][1]
Jackson was selected 43rd overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, yet did not receive an opportunity to perform, as he was waived by the team on October 30. Following this development, Jackson then saw action in six games with the La Crosse Bobcats in the CBA, in which he averaged 2.7 points in 12.7 minutes per game. Additionally, Jackson had a brief stint with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League. Continuing his basketball journey, Jackson played professionally in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Jackson also spent one semester at Butler Community College preceding his eventual entry into the NBA.
[edit] New Jersey Nets
Jackson did not play an NBA game until the 2000-01 season with the New Jersey Nets, officially deemed his rookie season. He appeared in 77 games (including 40 starts), in which he averaged 8.2 points per game, and established a close friendship with star point guard Stephon Marbury. Jackson was selected to play in the Schick Rookie Game at the 2001 All-Star Weekend, in which he tallied 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in the contest.
[edit] San Antonio Spurs
Before the 2001-2002 NBA season, he was signed by the San Antonio Spurs. Following a somewhat successful rookie campaign, Jackson was hampered by injuries in 2001, missing a total of 45 games. His season averages were 3.9 points and 1.1 rebounds, logging approximately 9.9 minutes per game.
During the 2002-2003 NBA season, Jackson became a key member of the Spurs. Appearing in 80 games (58 starts), his season averages were 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 28.2 minutes per game. In the course of their postseason run in the 2003 NBA Playoffs, Jackson proved to be a vital asset and helped the Spurs win their second NBA Championship, averaging 12.8 points per game during the playoffs - the team’s 3rd leading scorer.
[edit] Atlanta Hawks
In 2003, Jackson became a free agent during the offseason, being signed by the Atlanta Hawks. Registering his best professional season to this point, Jackson established season averages of 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, in 80 total games (78 starts). On March 12, vs. the Washington Wizards, Jackson scored a career-high 42 points. In the 29 games following the All-Star Break, Jackson averaged 24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. During this torrid post All-Star Break stretch, he was the NBA's 6th leading scorer.[4]
Following the 2003-04 NBA season, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers for small forward Al Harrington (who finished 2nd place in Sixth Man of the Year voting), after signing a 6 year, $38.3 million contract.
[edit] Indiana Pacers
During his first season as a member of the Indiana Pacers in the 2004-05 NBA season, Jackson tallied averages of 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He received a 30-game suspension from the league after going into the stands and brawling with Detroit Pistons supporters during the Pacers-Pistons brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills, on November 19, 2004. During this time, accompanied by 3 of his teammates, Jackson visited the Indiana Developmental Training Center. He donated a big screen television as well as other items.
Following his return from this lengthy suspension, he averaged 21.7 points per game in a span of 22 games, starting on March 3 (due to an injury to Pacers power forward Jermaine O'Neal).
Indiana’s once promising post-season possibilities were marred by the suspension of small forward Ron Artest. Jackson averaged 18.9 points per game during the first round of the 2005 NBA Playoffs, versus the Boston Celtics. A series loss in the next round at the hands of the Detroit Pistons would end the campaign, with Jackson leading the team in scoring during the playoffs with an average of 16.1 points per game.[5]
In the 2005-06 NBA season, Jackson appeared in 81 games for the Pacers, averaging 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. A particularly impressive exhibition performed by Jackson came in a midseason victory over the Sacramento Kings, in which he made four consecutive 3-pointers on four straight possessions. As the playoff push ensued, he tallied an average of 20.2 points per game in the month of April.
On October 6, 2006, there were police reports that Jackson and three other Pacers players were involved in an argument with several patrons at Club Rio, a strip club in Indianapolis. Jackson was punched by one of the patrons and was hit by a car, rolling onto the hood. His injuries were considered minor. Jackson says he fired several gunshots from a 9-mm pistol as an act of self-defense. However, prosecutors later said he fired first.[6] Jackson was charged October 11, 2006 with a felony count of criminal recklessness. He served a seven game suspension at the beginning of the 2007-08 NBA season as a Warrior for his legal problems.[7]
[edit] Golden State Warriors
On January 17, 2007, the Pacers dealt Jackson to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster eight player trade.[8] Along with Al Harrington, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and Josh Powell, Jackson was swapped for Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Keith McLeod of the Warriors.
Jackson registered 29 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals in his Warriors debut, January 20, 2007 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yet another significant, meaningful performance came on February 5, when Golden State traveled to Conseco Fieldhouse to compete against Jackson’s former team. He tallied 36 points, leading the Warriors to a 113-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Rejuvenated by the change of scenery, Jackson averaged 19.6 points and 4.6 assists per game in February - taking the reins of principal playmaker while star point guard Baron Davis was injured. Jackson led the team in scoring 3 times during the last 5 games in the regular season, including the season-ending victory over the Portland Trailblazers that clinched the Warriors' first playoff berth in 12 seasons.
In the Warriors 4-2 series victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Jackson garnered both positive and negative publicity. In one of the most highly viewed NBA playoff series ever[citation needed] - and what some consider the biggest upset in NBA history[9] - Jackson was ejected from Games 2 and 5, adding to his reputation of being a contentious, out-of-control trouble maker. The latter decision, in Game 5, was heavily criticized as Jackson appeared to be merely applauding at the end of the game to lift the spirits of his teammates, and not sarcastically at a referee. But Jackson redeemed himself by playing well the entire series, especially in the series-clinching Game 6, where Jackson tallied 33 points on a franchise playoff-record 7 three-pointers. Also, he continued to play aggressive defense against eventual MVP recipient Dirk Nowitzki, who was held to 8 points.
Baron Davis, who suffered a slight hamstring injury in the 1st quarter of Game 6, shares his thoughts regarding Jackson: "I told him (Stephen Jackson) I’ll give it all I got and I didn’t want to be the hardest worker out there. He had to carry me. He is the leader of this team and if you ask anyone on this team, he is the heart and soul of this team. He is a big-game performer and he knew just how important this game was. He is the only one on our team to have won a championship, so we had to feed off of him."[10]
Jackson finished the series with per-game averages of 22.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.
Prior to the 2007-08 NBA season, Jackson (along with guard Baron Davis and forward Matt Barnes) was named a team captain of the Warriors.[11]
Jackson was the recipient of the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week (November 26th - December 2nd), averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.[12]
[edit] Player Profile
Generally, a modern-day NBA swingman provides a multitude of skills. Jackson is certainly no exception, as evidenced by his overall ability. Although he is known to be a somewhat streaky outside shooter, Jackson’s range extends from the basket to the 3-point line. Additionally, against smaller players, he is often utilized in the post (where he is either double-teamed and creates an open shot for a teammate, or is able to manufacture a mid-range jumper). Through spurts of inefficient, turnover-prone play, Jackson has proved a reputable playmaking option, with above-average passing abilities and court vision. Defensively, Jackson is certainly amongst the better perimeter defenders in the league, due to his long wingspan, quickness, and awareness.
Current Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson, the 2nd-winningest coach in NBA history, articulates this brief summation of Jackson’s game: “I don’t think that people realize how good a player Jackson is, he guards every night, he makes plays, he can shoot, and the only thing that he doesn’t do is rebound. He makes everyone around him better.”[13]
Nelson later would say on December 26, 2007 before the Warriors game vs. the Timberwolves that Jackson made more of a difference than he realized after the team rebounded from an 0-6 start when Jackson missed the first seven games of the 2007-08 season. "I didn't think any one man would make that big a difference in our team but what I think he's done is get the rest of the guys to play at a higher level and I don't think its just been him. Its been his leadership that has solidified our team some."
[edit] NBA statistics
Stephen Jackson's career NBA statistics.[14]
| Year | Team | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01 | New Jersey Nets | 21.6 | 8.2 | 2.7 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.2 |
| 2001-02 | San Antonio Spurs | 9.9 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 |
| 2002-03 | San Antonio Spurs | 28.8 | 11.8 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.4 |
| 2003-04 | Atlanta Hawks | 36.8 | 18.1 | 4.6 | 3.1 | 1.8 | 0.2 |
| 2004-05 | Indiana Pacers | 35.4 | 18.7 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.3 |
| 2005-06 | Indiana Pacers | 35.9 | 16.4 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 0.5 |
| 2006-07 | Golden State Warriors | 33.0 | 15.5 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 |
| 2007-08 | Golden State Warriors | 39.1 | 20.1 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 0.4 |
- MPG: Minutes Per Game
- PPG: Points Per Game
- RPG: Rebounds Per Game
- APG: Assists Per Game
- SPG: Steals Per Game
- BPG: Blocks Per Game
[edit] Career Highs
- Points: 42 vs. Washington 03/12/04
- Rebounds: 11 on 3 separate occasions
- Assists: 12 vs. Memphis 02/21/07
- Steals: 6 vs. Philadelphia 04/06/04
[edit] Reputation
Mainstream media outlets generally portray Jackson in a negative way, highlighting the fact that, in only the past three years, he has been charged with felony criminal recklessness and a number of other misdemeanors, including assault, disorderly conduct, and two counts of battery.[15]
Some sources identify Jackson in a more positive manner. Former teammate Tim Duncan once labeled Jackson as the “ultimate teammate” during his days in San Antonio. ESPN analyst and sportswriter Michael Smith finds Jackson to be “articulate, charming, and thoughtful.”[16]
Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times conveys his opinion as such: “He takes the younger players under his wing, taking them shopping, dispensing advice, lending an ear. What’s more, he does the little things that are unbecoming of a millionaire thug. He looks people in the eye when they talk to him, as if he cares about what they’re saying. He frequently doles out handshakes, half-hugs and, to women, pecks on the cheek. He returns phone calls. He mends fences, lifts spirits, makes others feel special.”[17] Gwen Knapp, of the San Francisco Chronicle states "He couldn't have been more charming or more engaged, the perfect face of the franchise."[18]
Former coach Rick Carlisle and current coach Don Nelson have constantly referred to Jackson's high character. On the Jim Rome show, Nelson stated Jackson is not simply a good person in the limited world of the NBA, but one of the finest people he has ever known.[19] Pacers executive Donnie Walsh, who was principally responsible for the Golden State trade, stated "I love Jack to death. He's emotional and he's going to get technicals. But that's just part of the package. He's a great team guy."[20]
During his 7-game suspension to begin the 2007-08 NBA season, Jackson decided to donate a significant portion of his time towards community service in the Oakland area, in order to make a positive impact while giving the public a chance to meet him. He organized several events, geared mainly towards children.[21] Additionally, during a game against the Toronto Raptors, Jackson paid tribute to forward Matt Barnes and his ailing mother whom he had left to support in her battle against cancer, by wearing the number 22 on his headband. Jackson also offered to miss his return from suspension if Barnes needed the support at home.[22] Jackson is also known to attend Bible study with other Warriors such as Kelenna Azubuike, Al Harrington, and Brandan Wright.[23] Pairing up with Southwest Airlines, Jackson and the Warriors organization arranged an essay contest for elementary school students from his hometown of Port Arthur, which gave 10 third-graders the opportunity to meet Jackson and receive tickets to the following night's game.[24]
The NBA recognized Jackson for his ongoing charitable causes and presented him with the league's Community Assist Award for March 2008. During the month of March alone, he participated in a Silence the Violence rally, teamed up with Grammy Award-winner John Legend to raise funds for the Show Me Campaign, participated in a groundbreaking for a basketball court, and launched his own foundation.[25]
In conjunction with the Good Tidings Foundation, Jackson unveiled the Stephen Jackson Basketball Court at Omega Boys Club in San Francisco on April 11, 2008. Additionally, in honor of Jackson’s continued commitment to the Bay Area community, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed Saturday, April 12, 2008 – the day after the unveiling – as Stephen Jackson Day in San Francisco.[26]
[edit] Trivia
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Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones. |
- Jackson’s next door neighbor in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel was Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. Jackson's former house is currently listed for sale.[citation needed]
- When growing up, Jackson used to wash dishes and bus tables in his grandfather’s soul food restaurant in Port Arthur, Texas.[27]
- Although his NBA peers call him “Jack,” in his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas he is known simply as “Stevie.[28]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Hawks Sign Free Agent Stephen Jackson", NBA.com, October 3, 2003. Retrieved on 2007-12-25.
- ^ Shooting Guards - 1997 Usenet Draft (1997). Retrieved on 2008-04-14.
- ^ Spander, Art. "Fiery Jackson tries to do burn control", Oakland Tribune, May 7, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ ESPN.com: 2003-04 NBA Regular Season Statistics. ESPN.com (2004). Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
- ^ NBA.com: Stephen Jackson Biography. NBA.com (2006). Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
- ^ Associated Press. "Police: Pacer player hit by car, fires gun", TSN, 2006-10-06. Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
- ^ Associated Press. "Jackson, Artest suspended following court pleas", ESPN.com, 2007-07-15. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
- ^ Associated Press. "Harrington, Jackson at heart of Pacers-Warriors deal", ESPN.com, 2007-01-18. Retrieved on 2007-02-04.
- ^ One and Done. insnews.org (May 1, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-12.
- ^ WARRIORS: 2007 Playoffs - Round 1, Game 6. NBA.com (May 4, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
- ^ With suspension looming, Warriors' Stephen Jackson is back. SI.com (October 1, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-01.
- ^ NBA honors Jackson, Howard. Yahoo.com (2007-12-03). Retrieved on 2007-12-04.
- ^ Warriors Recap vs. Pistons: 03.05.07. NBA.com (2007-03-05). Retrieved on 2007-03-08.
- ^ Stephen Jackson: Career Statistics. NBA.com (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- ^ Associated Press. "Pacers’ Jackson charged with criminal recklessness", ESPN.com, 2006-10-12. Retrieved on 2007-04-25.
- ^ Smith, Michael. "Jackson humbled by early life, suspension", ESPN.com, 2005-05-19. Retrieved on 2007-04-13.
- ^ Thompson, Marcus, II. "Jackson’s benevolence clashes with his bad guy image", Contra Costa Times, 2007-04-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-13.
- ^ HE'S A GO-TO GUY / Jackson has done more off the court than all he does on it for the Warriors. San Francisco Chronicle (February 26, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-26.
- ^ Don Nelson: 10/05/07 Appearance on Jim Rome Show. JimRome.com (October 5, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-06.
- ^ Will he be their savior?. San Jose Mercury News (November 18, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ WARRIORS: Stephen Jackson: Giving Back. NBA.com (November 14, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ "KNBR Radio: Stephen Jackson Interview", KNBR, 2007-11-19. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ Thompson, Marcus, II. "Warrior Azubuike takes it easy before a game", Contra Costa Times, 2008-01-23. Retrieved on 2008-01-23.
- ^ HE'S A GO-TO GUY / Jackson has done more off the court than all he does on it for the Warriors. San Francisco Chronicle (February 26, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-26.
- ^ "Stephen Jackson Receives March Community Assist Award", NBA.com, 2008-04-03. Retrieved on 2008-04-03.
- ^ "WARRIORS.com: Stephen Jackson Basketball Court Unveiled At Omega Boys Club In San Francisco", NBA.com, 2008-04-12. Retrieved on 2008-04-14.
- ^ Pacers.com: Stephen Jackson 2004-05 Player HQ. NBA.com (2004-07-19). Retrieved on 2007-02-13.
- ^ "A Clean Look", ESPN The Magazine, 2008-02-25. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.
[edit] External links
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