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Warriors Deny Stephen Jackson Will Try Out for Team
Stephen Jackson, who last stepped on the NBA hardwood during the 2013-14 season, when he made nine appearances for the Los Angeles Clippers, said he was set to make an attempt at a return with the Golden State Warriors.
Jackson told ESPN's Rachel Nichols (via Joe Rodgers of Sporting News) he would be going to training camp with the Warriors "to give another shot at playing." However, the Warriors quickly denied the move to Henry Wofford of CSN Bay Area on Sunday.
ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported on June 28 the Warriors—whom Jackson spent four seasons with—had "shown interest" in bringing Jackson aboard in a coaching capacity. However, Stein said Jackson would like to pursue a potential on-court return.
Stein added, "[Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr and Jackson were teammates on the [San Antonio] Spurs' 2003 title team, but Captain Jack has been working toward an on-court comeback."
At 38 years old, it's difficult to envision Jackson carving out anything close to a regular role for any team after his production tapered off dramatically following a strong 2010-11 season with the then-Charlotte Bobcats that saw him average 18.5 points per game.
However, if an on-court role doesn't pan out, he could serve as a savvy addition to the Warriors' coaching staff, particularly after Luke Walton bolted for the vacant Los Angeles Lakers head coaching gig.
Not only is Jackson a revered member of the "We Believe" Dubs squad that upset the No. 1-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs, but he also supported his former club by donning Draymond Green's jersey after the forward was suspended for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as the Bay Area News Group's Jimmy Durkin documented:
Stack Jack could conceivably nab a roster spot if given the chance to prove his worth, but after Sunday's events, it looks like Jackson may not get the chance to do so in the Bay Area.