duncan228
01-16-2010, 12:50 AM
Ex-Spur Jackson at home in Carolina (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/Ex-Spur_Jackson_at_home_in_Carolina.html)
Jeff McDonald
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When the Charlotte Bobcats were considering trading for volatile swingman Stephen Jackson earlier this season, one of Larry Brown's first vetting phone calls went to the former best man at his own wedding.
Gregg Popovich gave Jackson a thumbs up.
“When you really know the guy, you know how good a heart he has and what kind of competitor he is,” said Popovich, who coached Jackson with the Spurs for two seasons from 2001-2003. “Even though emotionally he might go over the line from time to time, Larry loves competitors. He loves people who have an edge and a toughness, and Stephen certainly has that.”
Jackson's arrival Nov. 16, after he forced his way out of Golden State, has been perhaps the single biggest factor in Charlotte's transformation into a playoff contender.
Jackson entered the Bobcats' 92-76 victory over the Spurs on Friday averaging 21.1 points since coming to Charlotte. He arrived with baggage — notably his less-than-amicable departure from Golden State, a 2006 incident involving a firearm at an Indianapolis strip club, and a role in the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl. Brown has had nothing but rave reviews for Jackson, whom the coach considers to be a misunderstood talent similar to Allen Iverson.
“Just like Allen, sometimes you might say some of this stuff is misguided,” Brown said. “But the fact he wants to win, I just love.”
Jackson, who is on his fourth team since leaving the Spurs, said his latest change of scenery is doing him good.
“I think it's another situation for me to broaden my game and help this organization get to the playoffs,” said Jackson, who had 16 points Friday.
Rest for Duncan? With the Spurs facing the second night of their second back-to-back in five days tonight in Memphis, it is possible that Tim Duncan could be due for another night off.
Earlier this week, Popovich vowed to sit Duncan in “more back-to-backs than we ever have before.” Duncan did not play in the Spurs' win at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, which oddly improved them to 3-0 in games this season without their 11-time All-Star.
Minutes for Malik: Malik Hairston's recent reassignment to Austin said more about the Spurs' desire to get the second-year swingman some minutes than it did about the improving health of Michael Finley.
“Malik had been sitting for a long time, and we thought he should play some games,” Popovich said.
Popovich said Finley, recovering from a sprained left ankle, is still about a week away from returning.
Jeff McDonald
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When the Charlotte Bobcats were considering trading for volatile swingman Stephen Jackson earlier this season, one of Larry Brown's first vetting phone calls went to the former best man at his own wedding.
Gregg Popovich gave Jackson a thumbs up.
“When you really know the guy, you know how good a heart he has and what kind of competitor he is,” said Popovich, who coached Jackson with the Spurs for two seasons from 2001-2003. “Even though emotionally he might go over the line from time to time, Larry loves competitors. He loves people who have an edge and a toughness, and Stephen certainly has that.”
Jackson's arrival Nov. 16, after he forced his way out of Golden State, has been perhaps the single biggest factor in Charlotte's transformation into a playoff contender.
Jackson entered the Bobcats' 92-76 victory over the Spurs on Friday averaging 21.1 points since coming to Charlotte. He arrived with baggage — notably his less-than-amicable departure from Golden State, a 2006 incident involving a firearm at an Indianapolis strip club, and a role in the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl. Brown has had nothing but rave reviews for Jackson, whom the coach considers to be a misunderstood talent similar to Allen Iverson.
“Just like Allen, sometimes you might say some of this stuff is misguided,” Brown said. “But the fact he wants to win, I just love.”
Jackson, who is on his fourth team since leaving the Spurs, said his latest change of scenery is doing him good.
“I think it's another situation for me to broaden my game and help this organization get to the playoffs,” said Jackson, who had 16 points Friday.
Rest for Duncan? With the Spurs facing the second night of their second back-to-back in five days tonight in Memphis, it is possible that Tim Duncan could be due for another night off.
Earlier this week, Popovich vowed to sit Duncan in “more back-to-backs than we ever have before.” Duncan did not play in the Spurs' win at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, which oddly improved them to 3-0 in games this season without their 11-time All-Star.
Minutes for Malik: Malik Hairston's recent reassignment to Austin said more about the Spurs' desire to get the second-year swingman some minutes than it did about the improving health of Michael Finley.
“Malik had been sitting for a long time, and we thought he should play some games,” Popovich said.
Popovich said Finley, recovering from a sprained left ankle, is still about a week away from returning.