http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/story/231724p-199004c.html At Jax's roast, joke's on Mark BY FRANK ISOLA DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER NBA players and coaches, past and present, will mock Mark Jackson's foot speed tonight. They will poke fun at the point guard's lack of defensive prowess and his unorthodox jump shot, and joke that Jackson never met a television camera he didn't like. And no one will be laughing harder than Jackson. "This is really a chance for me to say thank you to the people who have meant a lot to my career," said Jackson, the honoree for a celebrity roast in Manhattan. "It covers the board: pros, college and high school." Jackson's wife, Desiree, organized the roast at the W Hotel to benefit two non-profit organizations, The Little Princess Foundation and The Kingdom Kids Club. Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, Ron Artest, Rod Strickland, Kenny Smith, Lou Carnesecca, Rick Pitino and Jeff Van Gundy are all scheduled to appear at the event, which Jackson insists is not a retirement dinner. "I know I can still play and help a team," he says, "especially after watching the slow and robotic players from overseas win medals. The Olympics gave me hope. Being athletic, quick and a high jumper doesn't make you a great basketball player. Sometimes you take a girl to the dance and she doesn't look as good as you thought she did. There's nothing wrong with calling your old girl." Jackson, 39, is second on the NBA's all-time assists list and currently out of work. He is weighing several television offers but believes he can be a valuable backup on someone's roster. "Physically, I'm fine," said Jackson, who has played 17 NBA seasons. "I haven't lived a hard day in my life. If it ends I'm content. Jeff, Patrick, Reggie and Chris (Mullin) have meant a lot to my career. I'm looking forward to seeing them. ... I'm bringing my handkerchief with me and I'm not afraid to admit it." Tickets are available for tomorrow's annual Wheelchair Classic (7 p.m.) at St. John's University, featuring several NBA players from the New York area. Originally published on September 14, 2004
