Stephen Jackson facts for kids
Jackson with the Golden State Warriors in 2008
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 5, 1978 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| High school |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA Draft | 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall |
| Selected by the Phoenix Suns | |
| Pro career | 1997–2014 |
| Career history | |
| 1997–1998 | La Crosse Bobcats |
| 1998 | Sydney Kings |
| 1999, 2000 | Marinos de Oriente |
| 1999, 2000 | San Carlos |
| 1999 | Fort Wayne Fury |
| 2000 | Pueblo Nuevo |
| 2000–2001 | New Jersey Nets |
| 2001–2003 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2003–2004 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2004–2007 | Indiana Pacers |
| 2007–2009 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2009–2011 | Charlotte Bobcats |
| 2011–2012 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2012–2013 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2013–2014 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 12,976 (15.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 3,328 (3.9 rpg) |
| Assists | 2,634 (3.1 apg) |
Stephen Jesse Jackson (born April 5, 1978) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Some of the teams he played for include the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs. Jackson won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2003. After his basketball career, Jackson became a voice for civil rights, especially during the Black Lives Matter movement.
Contents
- Early Life and High School Basketball
- Professional Basketball Career
- Starting Out: CBA and Overseas (1997–2000)
- New Jersey Nets (2000–2001)
- Winning a Championship with the San Antonio Spurs (2001–2003)
- Atlanta Hawks (2003–2004)
- Indiana Pacers (2004–2007)
- Golden State Warriors (2007–2009)
- Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2011)
- Milwaukee Bucks (2011–2012)
- Return to San Antonio (2012–2013)
- Los Angeles Clippers (2013–2014)
- Retirement
- BIG3 League
- Podcasting Career
- Activism and Charity Work
- Images for kids
- See also
Early Life and High School Basketball
Stephen Jackson was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. His mother, Judyette, raised him as a single parent. She worked two jobs to support their family. As a teenager, Stephen helped out at his grandfather's restaurant. He washed dishes and cleared tables there.
When he was 16, Stephen's older half-brother, Donald Buckner, passed away. This sad event deeply affected Stephen. His former coach, Donnie Walsh, said this experience made Stephen always want to help his teammates.
Jackson led Lincoln High School to a state championship when he was a junior. Later, he moved to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. There, he earned All-American honors in 1996. He was the top scorer in the 1996 McDonald's All-American Boys Game. He played on a team with future NBA stars like Kobe Bryant.
After high school, Stephen planned to go to the University of Arizona. However, his test scores meant he couldn't play basketball there. He briefly attended Butler County Community College but didn't play. Before the 1997 NBA draft, he played pickup games with the Phoenix Suns. His strong play impressed the team, and they drafted him.
Professional Basketball Career
Starting Out: CBA and Overseas (1997–2000)
The Phoenix Suns picked Stephen Jackson as the 42nd player in the 1997 NBA draft. However, he did not play for them and was released. He then played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the La Crosse Bobcats. He also played in Australia for the Sydney Kings in 1998. Stephen continued his journey by playing professionally in countries like Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. He played well in these leagues, often being one of the top scorers.
New Jersey Nets (2000–2001)
Jackson played his first NBA game in the 2000–01 NBA season with the New Jersey Nets. This was officially his rookie season. He played in 77 games and started 40 of them. He averaged 8.2 points per game. During this time, he became good friends with star player Stephon Marbury.
Winning a Championship with the San Antonio Spurs (2001–2003)
Before the 2001–02 NBA season, Stephen joined the San Antonio Spurs. In his first year with the Spurs, he faced some injuries. He missed 45 games that season. An assistant coach, Mike Brown, said that even when injured, Stephen was a great teammate. He worked hard in practice to help the starters improve.
In the 2002–03 NBA season, Jackson became a very important player for the Spurs. He played in 80 games and started 58 of them. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. During the 2003 NBA Playoffs, Jackson helped the Spurs win their second NBA title. He was the team's third-highest scorer in the playoffs, averaging 12.8 points per game. He made important shots in key games, helping his team win.
Atlanta Hawks (2003–2004)
In 2003, Jackson became a free agent. He signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks. This was his best season yet. He averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. On March 12, he scored a career-high 42 points against the Washington Wizards. After the All-Star break, he was one of the NBA's top scorers.
After the 2003–04 NBA season, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers. He signed a six-year contract with them.
Indiana Pacers (2004–2007)
In his first season with the Indiana Pacers, Stephen averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
On November 19, 2004, Stephen was involved in an incident during a game. Because of this, he was suspended for 30 games. This event affected the team's chances in the playoffs. Despite this, Jackson played well in the 2005 NBA Playoffs. He led the team in scoring during the playoffs.
In the 2005–06 NBA season, Jackson played in 81 games. He averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He showed his scoring skills with a 31-point game against the Sacramento Kings. He made four 3-pointers in a row during that game.
In October 2006, Stephen had another off-court issue. He was charged with criminal recklessness. He received a one-year probation and had to do community service. He was also suspended for seven games at the start of the next season.
Golden State Warriors (2007–2009)
On January 17, 2007, the Pacers traded Jackson to the Golden State Warriors. This was a big trade involving eight players. In his first game with the Warriors, he scored 29 points. He also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. When he played against his former team, the Pacers, he scored 36 points. He led the Warriors to a big win.
In the 2007 NBA Playoffs, the Warriors played against the Dallas Mavericks. Many people thought the Mavericks would win easily, but the Warriors caused a huge upset. Jackson played a key role. He scored 33 points in the final game of the series. He made 7 three-pointers, which was a team playoff record at the time. His teammate, Baron Davis, called Jackson the "heart and soul" of the team.
Jackson finished the series averaging 22.8 points per game. In the next round, the Warriors lost to the Utah Jazz.
Before the 2007–08 NBA season, Jackson was named a team captain. He won the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week award in November 2007. The Warriors won 48 games that season, but they still missed the playoffs. This was because all eight playoff teams in the Western Conference won at least 50 games.
In the 2008–09 NBA season, Jackson had three games where he scored at least 30 points and had 10 assists. He was the first Warrior to do this since 1992. On February 4, he recorded his first career triple-double (30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists). He also signed a three-year contract extension with the Warriors. His season ended early due to foot surgery. He averaged 20.7 points and 6.5 assists per game that season.
Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2011)
On November 16, 2009, Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. On January 12, 2010, he set a Bobcats team record by scoring 43 points against the Houston Rockets. He was named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week on January 17. Jackson helped lead the Bobcats to their first-ever playoff appearance.
In the 2010-11 NBA season, Jackson recorded the first triple-double in Bobcats history. He had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Phoenix Suns. However, the Bobcats did not make the playoffs that year.
Milwaukee Bucks (2011–2012)
On June 23, 2011, Jackson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal. His time with the Bucks was short. He had some injuries and disagreements with his coach. His playing time decreased. On March 13, 2012, he was traded back to the Golden State Warriors.
Return to San Antonio (2012–2013)
Jackson was traded again just two days later, on March 15, 2012, back to the San Antonio Spurs. This time, he played a different role, coming off the bench. He helped the Spurs reach the Western Conference Finals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. He was praised for his defense against star player Kevin Durant. In the playoffs, Jackson shot very well from the field and from three-point range.
On April 12, 2013, the Spurs released Jackson.
Los Angeles Clippers (2013–2014)
On December 10, 2013, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Jackson struggled during his time with the Clippers. He played in 9 games and averaged a career-low 1.7 points per game. He was released by the Clippers on January 7, 2014.
Retirement
On July 22, 2015, Stephen Jackson announced his retirement from basketball. He played for 14 years in the NBA.
BIG3 League
In 2017, Jackson joined the BIG3 basketball league. This league features former NBA players playing 3-on-3 basketball. He played for the team called Killer 3s.
In 2021, he became the head coach of Trilogy. He led Trilogy to win two BIG3 Championships in a row (2021 and 2022). He also won "Trash Talker Of The Year" and "Coach Of The Year" in 2021.
Podcasting Career
Stephen Jackson co-hosts a digital video podcast called All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. This podcast is known for having interviews with famous athletes. It had the last exclusive interview with Kobe Bryant before he passed away in January 2020.
Activism and Charity Work
Stephen Jackson has always been committed to helping his community. During a suspension in 2007, he spent a lot of time doing community service in the Oakland area. He organized events mainly for children. He also showed support for his teammates.
The NBA recognized Jackson for his charity work. He received the league's Community Assist Award in March 2008. That month, he participated in a rally to stop violence. He also worked with Grammy Award-winner John Legend to raise money for a campaign. He helped build a new basketball court and started his own foundation.
In April 2008, Jackson opened the Stephen Jackson Basketball Court at Omega Boys Club in San Francisco. The mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, even declared April 12, 2008, as Stephen Jackson Day.
In 2008, Jackson started the Stephen Jackson Academy of Art, Science, and Technology in his hometown of Port Arthur. The school building was finished in 2009. It offers after-school programs for local children and has a gym for public use.
Jackson was a close friend of George Floyd. George Floyd's death in May 2020 gained international attention. Jackson spoke at a protest rally in Minnesota. He said, "I'm here because they're not gonna demean the character of George Floyd, my twin." Jackson and Floyd called each other "Twin" because they looked alike.
Jackson has also spoken about his faith. In January 2021, he officially converted to Islam. He said that his faith helps him in his daily life.
Images for kids
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Jackson with the Golden State Warriors in 2008
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Jackson (left) with Pacers teammates Jermaine O'Neal and Dale Davis and coach Rick Carlisle
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Jackson takes a jump shot during a regular season Warriors game
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Jackson in the Warriors "throwback" uniform in 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Stephen Jackson para niños
- List of people banned or suspended by the NBA
