Stephen Jackson: Butler, Rondo want me on Bulls
Veteran forward Stephen Jackson is highly confident he'll be in uniform for an NBA team at the start of the 2016-17 regular season, although it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old can secure himself an offer.
One organization seemingly interested in acquiring his services is the Chicago Bulls, with two of their stars reaching out to Jackson to discuss his return to the league.
"Well, actually not a lot of people know that Jimmy (Butler) has been calling me," Jackson told HoopsHype.com's Raul Barrigon. "We’ve been talking for like three months now. Even (Rajon) Rondo has been calling me. They really want me on the Bulls team. I’ve been talking to a lot of guys, because guys know what I bring."
Jackson added, "There’s not many guys like me. There’s probably one or two guys in the NBA like me that can play both ways and don’t mind really shutting the guy down. I’m a winner, I’ve been in the playoffs many years. Guys know I’m a great teammate - Tim Duncan called me the ultimate teammate. I know how to play good for the guy next to me. I’m getting calls and I will be ready and that’s the biggest part."
Jackson saw his fair share of the Association during his 14-year run, suiting up for the New Jersey (Brooklyn) Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets), Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers. He announced his retirement from active competition on July 22, 2015 - nearly two years after his final game with the Clippers.
The former champion said the 73-win Warriors were willing to give him the opportunity to compete for a roster spot in training camp, although the team later denied that was on the table.
Chicago has very little depth at the wing positions, even with 12-time All-Star Dwyane Wade heading to the Windy City. There's only so much Jackson can do at his age after being away from the sport for so long, but the fact a talent of Butler's caliber reached out to him demonstrates Jackson's still considered to have some value.
Over the course of 858 games, Jackson averaged 15.1 points on 41.4 percent shooting, along with 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.