Atlanta Signs Stephen Jackson - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Tony tha Mavs fan · 10-03-2003, 04:29 PM

ATLANTA (AP) -- Free-agent swingman Stephen Jackson signed with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, then watched their first practice.

Jackson, who can play small forward and shooting guard, will join practice Monday and is expected to compete for a starting job.

The 6-foot-8 Jackson helped the San Antonio Spurs win the NBA championship last season. He ranked third on the team in playoff scoring at 12.8 points per game.

After trading Glenn Robinson in a cost-cutting offseason move, the Hawks are looking for a new starting small forward.

Jackson, is a third-year pro who averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals last season. He was a top reserve with the Spurs but hopes to land a starting job with the Hawks.

The Hawks didn't announce the terms of the deal.

Nash13 · 10-03-2003, 04:36 PM

All though it may not seem like it, they have an ok team. I still don't expect a playoff appearence.

WayOutWest · 10-03-2003, 04:43 PM

Jackson might get a strong dose of reality when he tries to create his own shot instead of feeding off of Tim Duncan. Looks like his agent gave him bad advice.

EricaLubarsky · 10-03-2003, 04:48 PM

Jackson is a nice pickup for the Hawks. He won't be half as good as he was in SAN (will he still be plagued with turnover problems?). Im just kinda glad he didnt end up with SAC or SAN.

Voronwe · 10-03-2003, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Stephen Jackson ... will join practice Monday and is expected to compete for a starting job.

He goes from starting on a championship team to competing with Chris Crawford for minutes on a weak Eastern Conference team. This surely isn't close to what he had in mind when he held out for more money.

Edit: Turning off italics.

Simon2 · 10-03-2003, 10:27 PM

I think Jackson does great in Atlanta. SA will miss him.

XERXES · 10-03-2003, 10:36 PM

I think he spares us all to death. 6 pts/4 rbs per game...

MavsFanFinley · 10-03-2003, 11:11 PM

What is he thinking going to Atlanta? Does he have family there? I'd sure like to know the contract terms.

Competing for a starting job? Good grief.

Drbio · 10-03-2003, 11:15 PM

They must have offered him some serious bucks. Otherwise, why Atlanta?

MFFL · 10-03-2003, 11:50 PM

There weren't many jobs left that were paying more than the mininum

Drbio · 10-04-2003, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: MFFL
There weren't many jobs left that were paying more than the mininum

I know. He could have played somewhere else for the minimum with a better shot at playing meaningful postseason games. It's confusing.

dirno2000 · 10-04-2003, 12:03 AM

I'm glad he's gone. He kept them in game six until Pop remembered he had one of the best shooters of all time on the bench.

Who are the Spurs planning to start at the 3?

Drbio · 10-04-2003, 12:07 AM

Turkeyglue?

dirno2000 · 10-04-2003, 12:15 AM

I would think he's the best option, but everybody keeps talking about him coming off the bench. Horry was a sf(and a damn good one) in Houston, but can he still be effective there at his age. He still moves well, but he's gained weight.

If they go with Manu at the 2 and shift Bowen to three then they they have thier own version of small ball. Although it would be anchored by 2 7 footers.