Regardless who the Golden State Warriors sign from free agency, one thing is clear—Stephen Jackson will be the leader of the team.
Many think with Baron Davis’ departure that the team will be handed over to phenom-in-the-making Monta Ellis. Ellis may get the keys to the team for the future, but Captain Jack is without a doubt the leader.
Jackson is not the best player on the Golden State Warriors roster, that’s Ellis. But Jackson has intangibles that Ellis has yet to grasp at only 22 years old.
Jackson is coming off a career year in which he was a solid citizen and team leader. Jackson is not only a team leader, he is a “glue guy.” He helped all the new pieces mesh in the Warriors' 2007 playoff run.
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In 2008, the Warriors started the season off 0-6 as Jackson served time for a suspension. When Jackson returned, the Warriors were a completely different team. His defensive presence, versatility, and leadership helped the Warriors to one of the best records in the NBA, minus the games he missed.
Unfortunately it was too little too late, but this year Jackson shouldn’t be missing those first crucial games.
Despite Jackson’s checkered past, it is obvious that during his tenure with the Warriors he has begun to find himself. He is the ultimate teammate, and his defense is contagious as is his desire to win. He was the Warriors’ best defender most of the time, and hit more than a handful of big shots during the course of the past season-and-a-half.
Jackson doesn’t need to step up and take all the shots for the Warriors this upcoming season. He needs to be the guy to show the younger Warriors how to handle themselves in pressure situations, how to be a model citizen, and what it takes to play in the NBA.
With the departure of Baron Davis, Jackson will more than ever be put on the pedestal to lead this team. The Warriors will again be one of the youngest teams in the league—but with a leader like Stephen Jackson, the Warriors will have one of the best captains leading the way.
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about 1 month ago
I agree man. Solid article. But I think that SJax will need another leader with him to control the team on the court and be that "model citizen." I have a feeling he can't do it all by himself. B-diddy did that, and proved it when he transformed the franchise immeadiately when he arrived in 2005. Nevertheless, it will be a challenge fo ma man SJax.
Good article man.
from about 1 month ago
Great point about needing one other leader for the team. I think if Brand does do what everyone thinks he won't do and join us, he would be an immediate leader for our big men. But him coming is highly unlikely. Unfortunately there is not alot of guys out there who can step onto the Warriors squad and be a team leader and have as big an impact as Baron.
about 1 month ago
I think Jackson is out to prove that he can continue to lead by example and be the leader of the Warriors without deferring to anyone else.
He's already come a long way.
from about 1 month ago
You're right Ron, Jackson has come a long way since the Malice at the Palace. He will be the number 1 guy as a leader on the team now who will step up and be that 2nd or 3rd guy is going to be key to this upcoming season.
about 1 month ago
Hey, don't count out EB coming up the coastal highway. His LA home is up for sale. That sure appears to be some kind of writing on the wall. Although, all indications are that it still appears unlikely for EB to coem north.
And yes, captain jack will need somehelp, as he can be a hothead at times himslef, but definately settled down last year with the added responsibility Nellie gave him.
Hinrich would be a good floor general and help with the leadership responsibilities if we can swing a KH for Al harrington deal.
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