Stephen Jackson
Encyclopedia
Stephen Jesse Jackson is an American professional basketball
player for the NBA
's Milwaukee Bucks
. Jackson is a 6'8" guard-forward.
. When growing up, Jackson worked in his grandfather's soul food restaurant in Port Arthur, Texas where he used to wash dishes and bus tables. At the age of 14, Jackson saw his half-brother Donald die, aged 25. Following the violent tragedy, Jackson often surmised how he wished he could have been there to assist and protect a member of his family. "You can't tell me seeing his brother die that way hasn't had an effect," recalls Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh
. "To me, it's why he is always coming to the help of his teammates."
He prepped at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur 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. Following a commitment to join the University of Arizona
, Jackson was ruled academically ineligible. He attended Butler Community College
.
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
over two on-and-off seasons in the CBA
, in which he averaged 2.7 points in 12.7 minutes per game. Additionally, Jackson played four games in 1998 with the Sydney Kings
in Australia's National Basketball League
. Continuing his basketball journey, Jackson played professionally in Venezuela
and the Dominican Republic
. Throughout the spring and summer of 2000, Jackson played in those Latin American countries, with the Dominican Republic teams San Carlos and Pueblo Nuevo and Venezuelan Marinos.
Jackson established the Jack 1 Foundation and the Stephen Jackson Academy in his hometown of Port Arthur. http://www.stephenjackson1.com/default.aspx
, 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.
. Following a somewhat successful rookie campaign, Jackson was hampered by injuries and team expectations in 2001, missing a total of 45 games. Former assistant coach Mike Brown stated: "The first year we had him in San Antonio, he was on the (injured reserve) most of the year. At first, he didn't understand why because he probably was the most talented player we had on that team, but he needed to mature a little bit so we stuck him there to see how he would respond. He was the best teammate on our team that first year. He was the first guy off the bench high-fiving his teammates during timeouts. He was in every single huddle. He was juiced at practice ready to play and compete and make the starters better, and it carried over into his second year when he got his opportunity to get out onto the floor and prove he could be a vital part of the organization." 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.
. 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 42 points, his career high at the time. 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.
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.
fans during the infamous 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.
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. 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.
On January 17, 2007, the Pacers dealt Jackson to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster eight player trade. Along with Al Harrington
, Šarūnas Jasikevičius
, 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 Trail Blazers
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 what some consider the biggest upset in NBA history, Jackson was ejected from Games 2 and 5. 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."
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. Jackson was the recipient of the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week (November 26 – December 2), averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
During the 2008–09 NBA season
, Jackson registered three games of at least 30 points and 10 assists in a five-game span – the first NBA player to do so since LeBron James
in 2007, and the first member of the Warriors since Tim Hardaway
in 1992. He also tallied his first career triple double (30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) against the Phoenix Suns
in the midst of this stretch, on February 4.
On November 17, 2008, Jackson signed a three-year contract extension with the Warriors. Jackson's 2008–2009 campaign effectively ended when he decided to officially determine the root cause of turf toe
on his left foot, which had been ailing him for over 2 years. He underwent surgery on March 31, 2009 to remove multiple bone spur
s above the nerve tissue under his big toe.
His per-game season averages were 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2nd only to LeBron James
for forwards), 1.5 steals, and 39.6 minutes (2nd in the league, trailing only Joe Johnson
of the Atlanta Hawks
).
along with Acie Law in exchange for Raja Bell
and Vladimir Radmanović
. Jackson set a Bobcats franchise record with 43 points scored versus the Houston Rockets
, on January 12, 2010. The NBA recognized Jackson as the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week on January 17, after he averaged 29.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals. Jackson, in tandem with forward Gerald Wallace
, led the Bobcats to the franchise's first playoff appearance (culminating in a 4-0 series loss at the hands of the Orlando Magic
).
In the 2010-11 NBA season, Jackson recorded the first triple double (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) in Bobcats team history, versus the Phoenix Suns
on November 20, 2010. However, Jackson failed to lead the Bobcats to the playoffs in 2011.
as part of a three-way deal among the Sacramento Kings
and Charlotte Bobcats
. As part of the deal, the Milwaukee Bucks
received Jackson, Shaun Livingston
, and the rights to the 19th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft
, Tobias Harris
from Charlotte, and Beno Udrih
from Sacramento. Charlotte received Corey Maggette
from Milwaukee and the rights to the 7th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Bismack Biyombo
from Sacramento. Also part of the deal, Sacramento received John Salmons
from Milwaukee and the rights to Jimmer Fredette
, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. .
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 77 || 40 || 21.6 || .425 || .335 || .719 || 2.7 || 1.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 23 || 1 || 9.9 || .374 || .250 || .706 || 1.1 || .5 || .6 || .1 || 3.9
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 80 || 58 || 28.2 || .435 || .320 || .760 || 3.6 || 2.3 || 1.6 || .4 || 11.8
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Atlanta
| 80 || 78 || 36.8 || .425 || .340 || .785 || 4.6 || 3.1 || 1.8 || .2 || 18.1
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Indiana
| 51 || 49 || 35.4 || .403 || .360 || .830 || 4.9 || 2.3 || 1.2 || .3 || 18.7
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Indiana
| 81 || 81 || 35.9 || .411 || .345 || .786 || 3.9 || 2.8 || 1.3 || .5 || 16.4
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Indiana
| 37 || 32 || 32.1 || .419 || .297 || .822 || 2.6 || 3.1 || .9 || .5 || 14.1
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Golden State
| 38 || 37 || 34.0 || .446 || .341 || .804 || 3.3 || 4.6 || 1.3 || .4 || 16.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Golden State
| 73 || 73 || 39.1 || .405 || .363 || .832 || 4.4 || 4.1 || 1.3 || .4 || 20.1
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Golden State
| 59 || 59 || 39.6 || .414 || .338 || .826 || 5.1 || 6.5 || 1.5 || .5 || 20.7
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Golden State
| 9 || 9 || 33.3 || .421 || .275 || .703 || 3.9 || 4.7 || 1.6 || .7 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 72 || 72 || 39.3 || .423 || .334 || .786 || 5.1 || 3.6 || 1.6 || .4 || 21.1
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 67 || 67 || 35.9 || .411 || .337 || .816 || 4.5 || 3.6 || 1.2 || .4 || 18.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 747 || 656 || 33.5 || .418 || .339 || .799 || 4.0 || 3.3 || 1.4 || .4 || 16.3
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 24 || 24 || 33.8 || .414 || .336 || .803 || 4.1 || 2.7 || 1.4 || .4 || 12.8
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Indiana
| 13 || 13 || 36.3 || .393 || .317 || .817 || 3.8 || 2.2 || 1.9 || .5 || 16.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Indiana
| 6 || 6 || 37.8 || .366 || .231 || .778 || 4.5 || 3.3 || .7 || .2 || 13.3
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Golden State
| 11 || 11 || 41.3 || .379 || .361 || .816 || 3.6 || 3.6 || 2.0 || .7 || 19.9
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 4 || 4 || 39.0 || .358 || .167 || .808 || 5.0 || 3.8 || 1.2 || .2 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 58 || 58 || 36.5 || .391 || .318 || .809 || 4.1 || 2.9 || 1.5 || .4 || 15.3
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). Despite 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.
Larry Brown
, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame
and former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats
, readily acknowledges Jackson's ability: "You ask anyone in the league - Stephen is an elite player. He's as bright as anyone I've coached." Former Golden State Warriors
head coach Don Nelson
, the 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." Jackson's coach during his Indiana days, Rick Carlisle
, describes Jackson as a "terrific all-around player... He's an experienced guy, strong and quick. He has a good understanding of the game on the defensive side of the ball." NBA legend and current Pacers general manager Larry Bird
calls Jackson the toughest player in the league, regarding injuries and subsequently playing through the pain. Bird also praised Jackson's ability to "do every aspect of the game at a high level."
Theo Ratliff
, 15-year NBA veteran and former Bobcats teammate, asserted that "if he is not an All-Star in this league, I don't know who is. It is time people recognize what he does on the floor."
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." Lang Whitaker
, executive editor of Slam Magazine
, states Jackson is "one of my favorite players, after all."
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." Gwen Knapp, of the San Francisco Chronicle
states "He couldn't have been more charming or more engaged, the perfect face of the franchise."
Former coaches Rick Carlisle
and 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. Former 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."
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. 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. Jackson is also known to attend Bible study with other Warriors such as Kelenna Azubuike
, former Warrior Al Harrington
, and Brandan Wright
. 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.
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.
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.
Imani Showalter, who was Jackson's ex-fiancee and is the mother of his three children, is a cast member of VH1's reality TV show Basketball Wives: LA
.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player for the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
. Jackson is a 6'8" guard-forward.
Early life, high school, and college
Jackson was born in Houston and grew up in Port Arthur, TexasPort Arthur, Texas
-Demographics:As of the 2000 census, there were 57,755 people, 21,839 households, and 14,675 families residing in the city. The population density was 696.5 people per square mile . There were 24,713 housing units at an average density of 298.0 per square mile...
. When growing up, Jackson worked in his grandfather's soul food restaurant in Port Arthur, Texas where he used to wash dishes and bus tables. At the age of 14, Jackson saw his half-brother Donald die, aged 25. Following the violent tragedy, Jackson often surmised how he wished he could have been there to assist and protect a member of his family. "You can't tell me seeing his brother die that way hasn't had an effect," recalls Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh
Donnie Walsh
Joseph Donald Walsh Jr., better known as Donnie Walsh is a former professional basketball coach, and former president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks.-Biography:...
. "To me, it's why he is always coming to the help of his teammates."
He prepped at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur before transferring to Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy (Virginia)
Oak Hill Academy is a co-educational, private Baptist-affiliated secondary school in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, United States. Oak Hill's enrollment of approximately 150 students is 98% boarders, serving grades 8–12...
(Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
) where he earned All-America honors in 1996. He was the leading scorer in the 1996 McDonald's All-American
McDonald's All-American Team
The McDonald's All-American Game refers to each of the all-star basketball games played each year for boys' and girls' high-school basketball graduates. Consisting of the top American and Canadian players, each team plays a single exhibition game after the conclusion of the high-school basketball...
game, on a team that included Kobe Bryant, Jermaine O'Neal and Tim Thomas. Following a commitment to join the University of Arizona
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
, Jackson was ruled academically ineligible. He attended Butler Community College
Butler Community College
Butler Community College is an accredited 2-year community college located in El Dorado, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1927, it was originally named Butler County Community College, as El Dorado is the Butler County seat, but it was renamed in recent years.- Statistics :Butler is a fairly...
.
CBA and foreign leagues
Jackson was selected 43rd overall in the 1997 NBA Draft1997 NBA Draft
The 1997 NBA Draft took place on June 25, 1997 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although the Celtics had the second worst record in the 1996-97 season and the best odds of winning the lottery with two picks, the Spurs, usually a model of winning and consistency, lost David Robinson to an injury early...
by the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
, 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
La Crosse Bobcats
The La Crosse Bobcats were a Continental Basketball Association basketball team located in La Crosse, Wisconsin from 1996 to the league's bankruptcy in February 2001. The Bobcats were the second CBA team located in La Crosse; previously, the La Crosse Catbirds played from 1985 to 1994...
over two on-and-off seasons in the CBA
Continental Basketball Association
The Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
, in which he averaged 2.7 points in 12.7 minutes per game. Additionally, Jackson played four games in 1998 with the Sydney Kings
Sydney Kings
The Sydney Kings are a professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. They are the only team to date to win three consecutive championships in the NBL and currently sit third behind the Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne Tigers two away from the record five wins...
in Australia's National Basketball League
National Basketball League (Australia)
The National Basketball League, also known as the iiNet NBL Championship for sponsorship reasons, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in Australasia....
. Continuing his basketball journey, Jackson played professionally in Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
and the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
. Throughout the spring and summer of 2000, Jackson played in those Latin American countries, with the Dominican Republic teams San Carlos and Pueblo Nuevo and Venezuelan Marinos.
Jackson established the Jack 1 Foundation and the Stephen Jackson Academy in his hometown of Port Arthur. http://www.stephenjackson1.com/default.aspx
New Jersey Nets
Jackson did not play an NBA game until the 2000–01 season with the New Jersey NetsNew Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, 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
Stephon Marbury
Stephon Xavier Marbury is an American professional basketball player.The , point guard was selected out of the Georgia Institute of Technology by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 4th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, but was traded shortly thereafter to the Minnesota Timberwolves.He was an NBA...
. 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.
San Antonio Spurs
Before the 2001–2002 NBA season, he was signed by the San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
. Following a somewhat successful rookie campaign, Jackson was hampered by injuries and team expectations in 2001, missing a total of 45 games. Former assistant coach Mike Brown stated: "The first year we had him in San Antonio, he was on the (injured reserve) most of the year. At first, he didn't understand why because he probably was the most talented player we had on that team, but he needed to mature a little bit so we stuck him there to see how he would respond. He was the best teammate on our team that first year. He was the first guy off the bench high-fiving his teammates during timeouts. He was in every single huddle. He was juiced at practice ready to play and compete and make the starters better, and it carried over into his second year when he got his opportunity to get out onto the floor and prove he could be a vital part of the organization." 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
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
, 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.
Atlanta Hawks
In 2003, Jackson became a free agent during the offseason. He expected to be resigned by the Spurs to a big contract but that never occurred. He had to settle for a contract with less money on being signed by the Atlanta HawksAtlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
. 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
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
, Jackson scored 42 points, his career high at the time. 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.
Following the 2003–04 NBA season, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
for small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
Al Harrington
Al Harrington
Albert "Al" Harrington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Denver Nuggets...
(who finished 2nd place in Sixth Man of the Year voting), after signing a 6 year, $38.3 million contract.
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 PistonsDetroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
fans during the infamous Pacers–Pistons brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills
The Palace of Auburn Hills
The Palace of Auburn Hills, often referred to simply as The Palace, is a sports and entertainment venue in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a suburb on the northern outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1988, it is the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association...
, 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
Jermaine O'Neal
Jermaine Lee O'Neal is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. The 6 ft 11 in , 255 lb forward-center had a successful high school career and declared his eligibility for the 1996 NBA Draft straight out of high school...
).
Indiana's once promising post-season possibilities were marred by the suspension of small forward Ron Artest
Ron Artest
Metta World Peace is an American professional basketball player and rapper who is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. World Peace gained a reputation as one of the league's premier defenders as he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004...
. Jackson averaged 18.9 points per game during the first round of the 2005 NBA Playoffs
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
, versus the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
. A series loss in the next round at the hands of the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
would end the campaign, with Jackson leading the team in scoring during the playoffs with an average of 16.1 points per game.
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
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, 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
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
players were involved in an argument with several patrons at Club Rio, a strip club
Strip club
A strip club is an adult entertainment venue in which striptease or other erotic or exotic dance is regularly performed. Strip clubs typically adopt a nightclub or bar style, but can also adopt a theatre or cabaret-style....
in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. 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. 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
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for his legal problems.
Golden State Warriors
Al Harrington
Albert "Al" Harrington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Denver Nuggets...
, Šarūnas Jasikevičius
Šarunas Jasikevicius
Šarūnas Jasikevičius is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who plays for Panathinaikos BC. He is a member of the Lithuanian national team, and plays the point guard position.-Early years:...
, and Josh Powell
Josh Powell
Josh Powell is an American professional basketball player.-Early life:While playing at NC State, Powell averaged 12.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg in his sophomore year . He was not selected in the 2003 NBA Draft and played in Europe...
, Jackson was swapped for Mike Dunleavy
Mike Dunleavy, Jr.
Michael Joseph "Mike" Dunleavy, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association...
, Troy Murphy
Troy Murphy
Troy Brandon Murphy is an American professional basketball power forward who last played with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. Murphy was born in Morristown, New Jersey but grew up in Sparta Township located in northwest New Jersey...
, Ike Diogu
Ike Diogu
Ikechukwu Somtochukwu Diogu, referred to as Ike Diogu , is an Nigerian American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.-Family and early life:...
, and Keith McLeod
Keith McLeod
Keith McLeod is an American professional basketball player, who plays point guard for the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League. He is 6' 2" tall...
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
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
. Yet another significant, meaningful performance came on February 5, when Golden State traveled to Conseco Fieldhouse
Conseco Fieldhouse
Conseco Fieldhouse is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Opened in November 1999 to replace Market Square Arena, it is home to the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association...
to compete against Jackson's former team. He tallied 36 points, leading the Warriors to a 113–98 victory over the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. 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
Baron Davis
Baron Walter Louis Davis is an American professional basketball player with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Drafted as the third pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Davis was a star at Crossroads School and UCLA....
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 Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
that clinched the Warriors' first playoff berth in 12 seasons.
In the Warriors 4–2 series victory over the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
, Jackson garnered both positive and negative publicity. In what some consider the biggest upset in NBA history, Jackson was ejected from Games 2 and 5. 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
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
, who was held to 8 points.
Baron Davis
Baron Davis
Baron Walter Louis Davis is an American professional basketball player with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Drafted as the third pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Davis was a star at Crossroads School and UCLA....
, 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."
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
Baron Davis
Baron Walter Louis Davis is an American professional basketball player with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Drafted as the third pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Davis was a star at Crossroads School and UCLA....
and forward Matt Barnes
Matt Barnes
Matt Kelly Barnes is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association.-High school years:...
) was named a team captain of the Warriors. Jackson was the recipient of the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week (November 26 – December 2), averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
During the 2008–09 NBA season
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
, Jackson registered three games of at least 30 points and 10 assists in a five-game span – the first NBA player to do so since LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
in 2007, and the first member of the Warriors since Tim Hardaway
Tim Hardaway
Timothy Duane "Tim" Hardaway is a retired American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and who in his prime was one of the league's best point guards...
in 1992. He also tallied his first career triple double (30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) against the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
in the midst of this stretch, on February 4.
On November 17, 2008, Jackson signed a three-year contract extension with the Warriors. Jackson's 2008–2009 campaign effectively ended when he decided to officially determine the root cause of turf toe
Turf toe
A metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain is an injury to the joint and connective tissue between the foot and one of the toes. When the big toe is involved, it is known as "turf toe".-Causes:...
on his left foot, which had been ailing him for over 2 years. He underwent surgery on March 31, 2009 to remove multiple bone spur
Bone spur
Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs, are bony projections that form along joint margins. They should not be confused with enthesophytes, which are bony projections which form at the attachment of a tendon or ligament.-Pathophysiology:...
s above the nerve tissue under his big toe.
His per-game season averages were 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2nd only to LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
for forwards), 1.5 steals, and 39.6 minutes (2nd in the league, trailing only Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson (basketball)
Joe Marcus Johnson is an American professional basketball player, currently a member of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Johnson stands at 6'7" and 240 lbs ....
of the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
).
Charlotte Bobcats
On November 16, 2009, Jackson was traded to the Charlotte BobcatsCharlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
along with Acie Law in exchange for Raja Bell
Raja Bell
Raja Bell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Bell is known for his three-point shooting and intense defense.- Biography :Bell was born in Saint Croix, in the U.S...
and Vladimir Radmanović
Vladimir Radmanovic
Vladimir Radmanović is a Serbian professional basketball player who last played for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association...
. Jackson set a Bobcats franchise record with 43 points scored versus the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
, on January 12, 2010. The NBA recognized Jackson as the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week on January 17, after he averaged 29.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals. Jackson, in tandem with forward Gerald Wallace
Gerald Wallace
Gerald Jermaine Wallace is an American professional basketball forward for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA.- High school :Wallace attended Childersburg High School in Childersburg, Alabama, where he had a very successful career...
, led the Bobcats to the franchise's first playoff appearance (culminating in a 4-0 series loss at the hands of the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
).
In the 2010-11 NBA season, Jackson recorded the first triple double (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) in Bobcats team history, versus the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
on November 20, 2010. However, Jackson failed to lead the Bobcats to the playoffs in 2011.
Milwaukee Bucks
On June 23, 2011, after only two seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats, Jackson was traded to the Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
as part of a three-way deal among the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
and Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
. As part of the deal, the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
received Jackson, Shaun Livingston
Shaun Livingston
Shaun Patrick Livingston is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks.-Early years:Livingston was born in Peoria, Illinois. He led Concordia Lutheran Grade School, coached by Mr. Tom Ruppert, to LSA state titles in 1999 and 2000...
, and the rights to the 19th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft
2011 NBA Draft
The 2011 NBA Draft was held on June 23, 2011 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The draft started at 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time , and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball...
, Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris is an American basketball player who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. In May 2011, he declared his intention to enter the 2011 NBA Draft...
from Charlotte, and Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. He was traded to the Bucks on June 23, 2011 after spending four seasons in Sacramento. -Early career:...
from Sacramento. Charlotte received Corey Maggette
Corey Maggette
Corey Antoine Maggette is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association, for the Charlotte Bobcats. He excelled at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, where he was an All-American in basketball and also an Illinois high school state track finalist in long...
from Milwaukee and the rights to the 7th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Bismack Biyombo
Bismack Biyombo
Bismack Biyombo Sumba is a Congolese professional basketball player for the Charlotte Bobcats...
from Sacramento. Also part of the deal, Sacramento received John Salmons
John Salmons
John Rashall Salmons is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA...
from Milwaukee and the rights to Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer Fredette
James Taft "Jimmer" Fredette is an American professional basketball player with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association...
, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. .
Career transactions
- June 25, 1997: Drafted 43rd overall by Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
in 1997 NBA Draft1997 NBA DraftThe 1997 NBA Draft took place on June 25, 1997 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although the Celtics had the second worst record in the 1996-97 season and the best odds of winning the lottery with two picks, the Spurs, usually a model of winning and consistency, lost David Robinson to an injury early...
. - October 30, 1997: Waived by Phoenix.
- October 2, 2000: Signed as a free agent by New Jersey NetsNew Jersey NetsThe New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. - August 2, 2001: Signed as a free agent by San Antonio SpursSan Antonio SpursThe San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
. - October 3, 2003: Signed as a free agent by Atlanta HawksAtlanta HawksThe Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
. - July 15, 2004: Signed and traded by Atlanta to the Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
for Al HarringtonAl HarringtonAlbert "Al" Harrington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Denver Nuggets...
. - January 17, 2007: Traded by Indiana along with Al Harrington, Šarūnas JasikevičiusŠarunas JasikeviciusŠarūnas Jasikevičius is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who plays for Panathinaikos BC. He is a member of the Lithuanian national team, and plays the point guard position.-Early years:...
and Josh PowellJosh PowellJosh Powell is an American professional basketball player.-Early life:While playing at NC State, Powell averaged 12.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg in his sophomore year . He was not selected in the 2003 NBA Draft and played in Europe...
to the Golden State WarriorsGolden State WarriorsThe Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for Mike Dunleavy, Jr.Mike Dunleavy, Jr.Michael Joseph "Mike" Dunleavy, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association...
, Troy MurphyTroy MurphyTroy Brandon Murphy is an American professional basketball power forward who last played with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. Murphy was born in Morristown, New Jersey but grew up in Sparta Township located in northwest New Jersey...
, Ike DioguIke DioguIkechukwu Somtochukwu Diogu, referred to as Ike Diogu , is an Nigerian American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.-Family and early life:...
and Keith McLeodKeith McLeodKeith McLeod is an American professional basketball player, who plays point guard for the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League. He is 6' 2" tall...
. - November 16, 2009: Traded by Golden State along with Acie Law to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Raja BellRaja BellRaja Bell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Bell is known for his three-point shooting and intense defense.- Biography :Bell was born in Saint Croix, in the U.S...
and Vladimir RadmanovicVladimir RadmanovicVladimir Radmanović is a Serbian professional basketball player who last played for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association...
. - June 23, 2011: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks in three-team trade with Charlotte Bobcats and Sacramento KingsSacramento KingsThe Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | New Jersey
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 77 || 40 || 21.6 || .425 || .335 || .719 || 2.7 || 1.8 || 1.1 || .2 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 23 || 1 || 9.9 || .374 || .250 || .706 || 1.1 || .5 || .6 || .1 || 3.9
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | San Antonio
| 80 || 58 || 28.2 || .435 || .320 || .760 || 3.6 || 2.3 || 1.6 || .4 || 11.8
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
| 80 || 78 || 36.8 || .425 || .340 || .785 || 4.6 || 3.1 || 1.8 || .2 || 18.1
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Indiana
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 51 || 49 || 35.4 || .403 || .360 || .830 || 4.9 || 2.3 || 1.2 || .3 || 18.7
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Indiana
| 81 || 81 || 35.9 || .411 || .345 || .786 || 3.9 || 2.8 || 1.3 || .5 || 16.4
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Indiana
| 37 || 32 || 32.1 || .419 || .297 || .822 || 2.6 || 3.1 || .9 || .5 || 14.1
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Golden State
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 38 || 37 || 34.0 || .446 || .341 || .804 || 3.3 || 4.6 || 1.3 || .4 || 16.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Golden State
| 73 || 73 || 39.1 || .405 || .363 || .832 || 4.4 || 4.1 || 1.3 || .4 || 20.1
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Golden State
| 59 || 59 || 39.6 || .414 || .338 || .826 || 5.1 || 6.5 || 1.5 || .5 || 20.7
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Golden State
| 9 || 9 || 33.3 || .421 || .275 || .703 || 3.9 || 4.7 || 1.6 || .7 || 16.6
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Charlotte
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
| 72 || 72 || 39.3 || .423 || .334 || .786 || 5.1 || 3.6 || 1.6 || .4 || 21.1
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 67 || 67 || 35.9 || .411 || .337 || .816 || 4.5 || 3.6 || 1.2 || .4 || 18.5
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 747 || 656 || 33.5 || .418 || .339 || .799 || 4.0 || 3.3 || 1.4 || .4 || 16.3
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2002–03
2003 NBA Playoffs
The 2003 NBA playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2002-03 NBA season. This postseason was notable for being the first time all series were conducted in a best-of-7 format. It was also the only time in playoff history that no team was swept in a first-round series....
| align="left" | San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
| 24 || 24 || 33.8 || .414 || .336 || .803 || 4.1 || 2.7 || 1.4 || .4 || 12.8
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Indiana
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 13 || 13 || 36.3 || .393 || .317 || .817 || 3.8 || 2.2 || 1.9 || .5 || 16.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Indiana
| 6 || 6 || 37.8 || .366 || .231 || .778 || 4.5 || 3.3 || .7 || .2 || 13.3
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
| align="left" | Golden State
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 11 || 11 || 41.3 || .379 || .361 || .816 || 3.6 || 3.6 || 2.0 || .7 || 19.9
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Charlotte
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
| 4 || 4 || 39.0 || .358 || .167 || .808 || 5.0 || 3.8 || 1.2 || .2 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 58 || 58 || 36.5 || .391 || .318 || .809 || 4.1 || 2.9 || 1.5 || .4 || 15.3
Career highs
- Points: 43 vs. Houston 01/12/10
- Rebounds: 12 @ Memphis 12/17/07
- Assists: 15 vs. Minnesota 11/09/09
- Steals: 6 vs. Philadelphia 04/06/04
- Blocks: 4 @ Washington 11/25/08
Player profile
Generally, a modern-day NBA swingmanSwingman
A Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the small forward and shooting guard positions, and, in essence, swing between the shooting guard and small forward positions." Swingmen males are often between 6'5" and 6'8" .John Havlicek, who played for the Boston Celtics in...
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). Despite 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.
Larry Brown
Larry Brown (basketball)
Lawrence Harvey "Larry" Brown is an American basketball coach and former player. He most recently served as head coach of the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Bobcats....
, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame
Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, honors exceptional basketball players, coaches, referees, executives, and other major contributors to the game of basketball worldwide...
and former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
, readily acknowledges Jackson's ability: "You ask anyone in the league - Stephen is an elite player. He's as bright as anyone I've coached." Former Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
head coach Don Nelson
Don Nelson
Donald Arvid "Don" Nelson is a former NBA player and head coach. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors....
, the 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." Jackson's coach during his Indiana days, Rick Carlisle
Rick Carlisle
Richard Preston Carlisle is the head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. He has also coached the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, and was previously a player in the NBA. He is also one of the only 11 people to win an NBA championship both as a player and as a coach.-Playing career:Carlisle...
, describes Jackson as a "terrific all-around player... He's an experienced guy, strong and quick. He has a good understanding of the game on the defensive side of the ball." NBA legend and current Pacers general manager Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Larry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
calls Jackson the toughest player in the league, regarding injuries and subsequently playing through the pain. Bird also praised Jackson's ability to "do every aspect of the game at a high level."
Theo Ratliff
Theo Ratliff
Theophilus Curtis Ratliff , better known as Theo Ratliff, is an American professional basketball player who last played with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers. Primarily a center, he was an excellent shot-blocker who has led the league three times in blocks per game...
, 15-year NBA veteran and former Bobcats teammate, asserted that "if he is not an All-Star in this league, I don't know who is. It is time people recognize what he does on the floor."
Personal life and reputation
Mainstream media outlets generally portray Jackson in a negative way, highlighting the fact that he has been charged with felony criminal recklessness and a number of misdemeanors, including assault, disorderly conduct, and two counts of battery.Some sources identify Jackson in a more positive manner. Former teammate Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan
Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . The 6-foot 11-inch , 255-pound power forward/center is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year...
once labeled Jackson as the "ultimate teammate" during his days in San Antonio. ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
analyst and sportswriter Michael Smith
Michael Smith (sports reporter)
Michael Smith is a host, commentator, and reporter for ESPN -Career:Smith was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana where he graduated from McDonogh No. 35 Senior High School and then Loyola University of New Orleans...
finds Jackson to be "articulate, charming, and thoughtful." Lang Whitaker
Lang Whitaker
Lang Whitaker is an American author and sportswriter who works as the editor-at-large of SLAM Magazine, a hip-hop-influenced basketball magazine.In summer 2004, Whitaker began to write weekly columns for SI.com, the official Sports Illustrated website....
, executive editor of Slam Magazine
SLAM Magazine
SLAM Magazine is an American basketball magazine in circulation since 1994, published by Source Interlink. SLAM publishes nine issues a year to its circulation of over 500,000 readers worldwide.-History:...
, states Jackson is "one of my favorite players, after all."
Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times
Contra Costa Times
The Contra Costa Times is a daily newspaper based in Walnut Creek, California, U.S.. The paper serves Contra Costa and eastern Alameda counties, in the eastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area...
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." Gwen Knapp, of the San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
thumb|right|upright|The Chronicle Building following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake|1906 earthquake]] and fireThe San Francisco Chronicle is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of the U.S. state of California, but distributed throughout Northern and Central California,...
states "He couldn't have been more charming or more engaged, the perfect face of the franchise."
Former coaches Rick Carlisle
Rick Carlisle
Richard Preston Carlisle is the head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. He has also coached the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, and was previously a player in the NBA. He is also one of the only 11 people to win an NBA championship both as a player and as a coach.-Playing career:Carlisle...
and Don Nelson
Don Nelson
Donald Arvid "Don" Nelson is a former NBA player and head coach. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors....
have constantly referred to Jackson's high character. On the Jim Rome
Jim Rome
Jim Rome is an American sports radio talk show host syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications....
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. Former Pacers executive Donnie Walsh
Donnie Walsh
Joseph Donald Walsh Jr., better known as Donnie Walsh is a former professional basketball coach, and former president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks.-Biography:...
, 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."
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. Additionally, during a game against the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
, Jackson paid tribute to forward Matt Barnes
Matt Barnes
Matt Kelly Barnes is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association.-High school years:...
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. Jackson is also known to attend Bible study with other Warriors such as Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna David Azubuike is a professional basketball player. Born in London, England and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Azubuike became a standout player during his play at Victory Christian High School, and was eventually recruited to play for the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky...
, former Warrior Al Harrington
Al Harrington
Albert "Al" Harrington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Denver Nuggets...
, and Brandan Wright
Brandan Wright
Brandan Keith Wright is an American professional basketball player who last played for the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association . Growing up in Tennessee, Wright fast became a standout at his high school Brentwood Academy, earning an unprecedented three "Mr. Basketball" titles, a...
. Pairing up with Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas. Southwest is the largest airline in the United States, based upon domestic passengers carried,...
, 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.
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.
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.
Imani Showalter, who was Jackson's ex-fiancee and is the mother of his three children, is a cast member of VH1's reality TV show Basketball Wives: LA
Basketball Wives: LA
Basketball Wives: LA is a reality television series that premiered on August 29, 2011, on VH1. Created by production company Shed Media, the series follows the lives of a group of women who have all been somehow romantically linked to professional basketball players. The show is filmed in Los...
.