Stephen Jackson

Jackson wasn’t initially happy when the Bobcats traded him to the Bucks on draft day, but he should grow to appreciate playing under coach Scott Skiles. Jackson’s excelled under both traditional coaches (Gregg Popovich, Larry Brown, Rick Carlisle) and unconventional coaches (Don Nelson) in his career, so he should have no problem fitting in on the Bucks playing within Skiles bland offensive schemes and gritty defensive principles. Where Brandon Jennings struggled to run the Bucks’ offense last season, Jackson will have an opportunity to take a good deal of the burden off Jennings’ shoulders. Jackson will be used in a versatile wing role that sees him playing both shooting guard and small forward. He’ll initiate the offense enough to produce a good number of assists, and he’ll use his good size to secure an adequate number of rebounds. The Bucks’ aren’t known for featuring a single person as their primary scoring option, but Jackson should be leaned on heavily to help there, too. Draft him for his ability to hit threes and collect steals, and enjoy any extra production he might put up in the rebound and assist categories this season.

After two and a half seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Jackson fell out with coach Don Nelson and the organization to the point of demanding a trade. A trade he received, going with Acie Law to the Charlotte Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. But with the exception of a different team's name on his back, it was basically the same Stephen Jackson. Perhaps more than any other player in the NBA, Jackson's success � and, by extension, his fantasy value � is a result of sheer will. The guard averaged over 39 minutes per game during each of his two full seasons with Golden State. He also played every position but center. Last year, in Charlotte, Jackson's role was more precisely defined: with Gerald Wallace at small forward and Raymond Felton running the point, Jackson played a more orthodox number two role. But his influence over his team's games was still dramatic, as Jackson posted a 27.5 usage percentage � that is, the percentage of team possessions ended by a specific player (either by a shot, free throws or a turnover). That number was 10th-highest in the NBA, on a list populated by considerably more efficient players. That sort of volume is ideal for Jackson's owners, however, as it allows him to post totals above and beyond what his natural talent might dictate. The only drawback? Field-goal percentage. Combine the high quantity of shots (17.5 per game) with the low field goal percentage (42.3), and you've got a player in the 10 worst (among rosterable players) in that particularly category.

Jackson had a best-of-times/worst-of-times season last year. He set new career highs in scoring (20.7 ppg) and assists (6.5 apg) while also adding solid boards (5.1 rpg), treys (1.7 3-ptrs/game), and steals (1.5 spg). On the other hand, he missed 23 games due to injury and shattered his career worst in turnovers (3.9 TOs/game). The increases in assists and turnovers were due to Warriors Coach Don Nelson moving Jackson to point guard for extended stretches � with mixed results. Jackson is a long wing player that traditionally does most of his scoring from the perimeter (41.4% FG) but he does get to the rim as well (5.0 FTs/game at 82.6% FT). The Warriors are still full of scoring wings this season, and it appears that they may start two natural shooting guards in the backcourt in Monta Ellis and rookie Stephen Curry. As such, expect Jackson�s assists and turnovers to remain high, though he should also continue to put up big scoring/three-point numbers readily available in Nelson�s offense. Jackson had never had injury issues before last season, so expect him to bounce back with a full season of good production.

Given his long and storied history of off-court knuckleheadedness, it’s sort of remarkable to think of Jackson as a leader or stabilizing influence – but that’s what he’s become for the Warriors. Last season, as Golden State adjusted to life without elite scorer Jason Richardson and waited for Monta Ellis to develop, Jackson stepped up and took on some of the scoring load, posting new career-bests in scoring (20.1 ppg) assists (4.1), threes (2.5), free throws made and free-throw percentage. This year, they’ll face a different challenge, with Baron Davis gone and Ellis – who was expected to fill Davis’ role at the point -- sidelined for the first month-plus. Look for Jackson to take on more of a playmaker/point forward role. That – combined with the arrival of Corey Maggette – could mean a step backwards in scoring, while his assist (and turnover) numbers get a boost.

Talk about a guy needing a change of scenery. Jackson escaped from a poisonous situation – largely of his own making – in Indiana to emerge as Baron Davis’ running buddy and voice of playoff experience for Don Nelson’s Golden State Warriors. In 38 games of Nellieball, Jackson netted close to 17 points per game, with 4.6 assists, 3.4 boards, 1.6 threes and 1.3 steals, eventually emerging as one of the Warriors’ go-to scorers in pressure situations. The departure of Jason Richardson solidifies Jackson’s role and minutes, and should mean he’ll have the opportunity to replicate his productive second half in his first full season in Oakland.

Jackson had a slightly down season last year, as both his his scoring average (16.4 ppg) and three-pointers made (1.4 per game) dipped to three-year lows. Another danger to Jackson’s numbers this season is the potential logjam at the swing positions, with newcomers Marquis Daniels and Al Harrington as well as second-year player Danny Granger likely to impinge on Jackson’s minutes. At 6-8, Jackson uses his length and athleticism to post solid steals numbers (1.3 spg) and adequate rebounds (3.9 rpg), but if he is not involved enough in the offense to score in the mid-to-upper teens with a solid number of threes, he would lose much of his value.

Jackson produced excellent numbers last season in his first year as a Pacer, a fact that was easy to overlook due to his 30-game Palace brawl-related suspension. He posted career highs in scoring (18.7 points), rebounds (4.9), and 3-pointers (2.0) while also contributing 1.3 steals and 2.3 assists per night. The 6-8 swingman played much of last season at small forward in place of (also suspended) Ron Artest, but this season will move back to his natural shooting guard in place of the retired Reggie Miller. Jackson will be the third scoring option on the Pacers behind Jermaine O’Neal and Artest which could slightly decrease his scoring average, but with O’Neal and Artest occupying the defense, Jackson should get more open shots to increase both his shooting percentage from the field (40.3%) and number of three-pointers made.

Jackson was a fantasy juggernaut last season for the hapless Hawks, but now that he's playing for the Pacers, you can expect his minutes and his numbers to come back to earth. Jackson will sub in for the aging Reggie Miller at the two and occasionally see some minutes at the three whenever Ron Artest needs a breather. Jackson will still score a bit and be a good source of threes, but his somewhat limited role precludes him from having a ton of upside.

Jackson will finally get a starting job and significant minutes in Atlanta. He's been named the starter at small forward. He could average 13 or more points and five rebounds per game if all goes well. However, he could also lose the job if he struggles.