Player Profile
Generally, a modern-day NBA swingman provides a multitude of skills. Jackson is certainly no exception, as evidenced by his overall ability. Although he is known to be a somewhat streaky outside shooter, Jackson's scoring range extends from the basket to the 3-point line. Additionally, against smaller players, he is often utilized in the post (where he is either double-teamed and creates an open shot for a teammate or is able to manufacture a mid-range jumper). Despite spurts of inefficient, turnover-prone play, Jackson has proved a capable playmaking option, with above-average passing abilities and court vision. Defensively, Jackson is considered among the better perimeter defenders in the league, due to his toughness, long wingspan, and awareness.
Larry Brown, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, readily acknowledges Jackson's ability: "You ask anyone in the league – Stephen is an elite player. He's as bright as anyone I've coached." Former Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson, the winningest coach in NBA history, articulates this brief summation of Jackson's game: "I don't think that people realize how good a player Jackson is, he guards every night, he makes plays, he can shoot, and the only thing that he doesn't do is rebound. He makes everyone around him better." Jackson's coach during his Indiana days, Rick Carlisle, describes Jackson as a "terrific all-around player... He's an experienced guy, strong and quick. He has a good understanding of the game on the defensive side of the ball." NBA legend and current Pacers general manager Larry Bird calls Jackson the toughest player in the league, regarding injuries and subsequently playing through the pain. Bird also praised Jackson's ability to "do every aspect of the game at a high level." Theo Ratliff, 15-year NBA veteran and former Bobcats teammate, asserted that "if he is not an All-Star in this league, I don't know who is. It is time people recognize what he does on the floor."
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