Jackson began his basketball career at Butler Community College in Kansas before transferring to the University of Arizona. He went undrafted in the 1997 NBA draft and played in various international leagues before finally making his NBA debut in 2000 with the New Jersey Nets.
Over the course of his career, Jackson played for several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers. He was a key player on the 2003 Spurs team that won the NBA championship, and he also helped lead the Warriors to the playoffs in 2007.
Jackson was known for his fiery personality and willingness to speak his mind, which sometimes got him into trouble with coaches and teammates. He was involved in several high-profile incidents, including the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl in 2004, where he was a member of the Pacers team that fought with fans in the stands during a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Despite his controversial reputation, Jackson was a respected player in the league and was known for his toughness and leadership on the court. He was a fan favorite in many of the cities he played in, and he was known for his charitable work off the court.
In addition to his NBA career, Jackson also played for the United States national team in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, where he helped lead the team to a gold medal.
After retiring from basketball in 2015, Jackson has remained involved in the sport as a commentator and analyst. He has also been active in social justice issues, speaking out against police brutality and racial inequality.
Overall, Stephen Jackson had a successful career in the NBA, earning a reputation as a versatile and tough player who was not afraid to speak his mind. While he was involved in some controversial incidents, he was also a respected leader and a fan favorite in many cities.
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