Stephen Jackson: A Fiery and Versatile NBA Champion
Stephen Jackson is a retired NBA player who had a 14-year career. He is best known for winning the NBA championship with the Spurs in 2003 and being a key “We Believe” Golden State Warriors team member that upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. He is also a vocal activist and a media personality who hosts a popular podcast.
Stephen Jackson:
He was raised by his single mother, Judyette, who worked two jobs to support him and his siblings. He also helped in his grandfather’s soul food restaurant in Port Arthur, Texas, where he washed dishes and bused tables.
Jackson developed a passion for basketball early, leading Lincoln High School to a state championship in his junior year. He was the leading scorer in the McDonald’s All-American Game that year, with 21 points.
NBA Career and Achievements
Jackson finally made his NBA debut with the New Jersey Nets in the 2000-01 season. He played 77 games for the Nets, averaging 8.2 points per game. He signed with the Spurs in the summer of 2001, joining his former Oak Hill teammate Tim Duncan.
Jackson played a vital role for the Spurs, especially in the 2003 playoffs, when he started all 24 games and averaged 12.8 points per game. He helped the Spurs win their second NBA title, hitting three clutch three-pointers in Game 6 of the Finals against the New Jersey Nets.
Stephen signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent in 2003 and had his best statistical season with them, averaging 18.1 points per game. However, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers midway through the 2003-04 season, where he reunited with another former Oak Hill teammate, Jermaine O’Neal.
Jackson was involved in one of the most infamous incidents in NBA history on November 19, 2004. He was suspended for 30 games.
Stephen returned from the suspension and became one of the Pacers’ leading scorers and defenders. He averaged 16.4 ppg in his three seasons with Indiana but also had several off-court issues that tarnished his reputation.
In January 2007, Jackson was traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of an eight-player deal. He quickly became a fan favorite in Oakland, as he helped the Warriors end their 13-year playoff drought.
Jackson announced his retirement from the NBA on July 22, 2015, after 14 seasons in the league. He also made 1,230 three-pointers, ranking him 40th on the NBA’s all-time list.
Post-NBA Career and Activism
After retiring from the NBA, Jackson pursued a career in media and entertainment. He appeared as a basketball analyst on ESPN’s The Jump and other shows. He also hosted a digital video podcast called All The Smoke with Matt Barnes, another former NBA player and his close friend. The podcast features discussions with NBA players, celebrities, and other personalities.
Conclusion:
Stephen Jackson revealed that he was a longtime friend of Floyd, whom he called his “twin” because of their resemblance. He attended Floyd’s memorial services and rallies and demanded justice for his death. He also pledged to support Floyd’s family and children financially and emotionally. Jackson is married to Renata White, a model, and an entrepreneur. They have two children together: Skyy Jackson and Stephen Jackson Jr. He also has three other children from previous relationships: Tiara Jackson, Taylor Jackson, and Stephen Jackson III.
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