Jackson's NBA career truly began to take shape when he joined the New Jersey Nets for the 2000-2001 season. Although his time with the Nets was brief, it provided him with the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a larger stage. His breakout moment came when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2001. Under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich, Jackson became an integral part of the team. His defensive prowess and ability to score in crucial moments helped the Spurs secure the 2003 NBA Championship. Jackson's performance during the playoffs, particularly his clutch shooting, earned him recognition as a reliable player in high-pressure situations.
Following his success with the Spurs, Jackson signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2003-2004 season. His tenure with the Hawks was marked by increased scoring responsibilities, and he averaged a career-high in points per game. Despite his individual success, the team struggled to make a significant impact in the league standings.
In 2004, Jackson was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he became part of a talented roster that included Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest. His time with the Pacers was eventful, highlighted by the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl in 2004. Jackson was suspended for 30 games as a result of his involvement in the incident. Despite this setback, he continued to be a valuable player for the Pacers, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Jackson's career took another turn when he was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2007. It was with the Warriors that he experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career. As a key member of the "We Believe" Warriors, Jackson played a crucial role in the team's historic upset of the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. His leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in the Warriors' success during that playoff run.
After his stint with the Warriors, Jackson played for several other teams, including the Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks, and a return to the San Antonio Spurs. Throughout these years, he continued to be a reliable scorer and a strong defensive presence. His ability to adapt to different team dynamics and contribute in various roles was a testament to his basketball acumen.
Jackson's career came full circle when he rejoined the Spurs in 2012. Although his role was more limited compared to his earlier years, he provided veteran leadership and experience to a team that was consistently competing for championships. Jackson retired from professional basketball in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and adaptability.
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