[Toledo Blade] Good article on Jim Jackson's thoughts on trade, offseason, etc.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040709/SPORTS09/407090438

Ready Rocket: Trade, stability has Jackson optimistic

By DONALD EMMONS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

If Jim Jackson's enthusiasm for basketball has waned any after playing on 10 NBA teams, it's not apparent when the Toledo native talks about looking ahead to season No. 13.
The fact the Houston Rockets' starting lineup next season will include Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are at least two reasons behind the well-traveled veteran's enthusiasm.

"You have a bona fide 25-point-plus scorer a night in Tracy McGrady, with an emerging dominant center in Yao," Jackson said. "Those two dynamics are similar to Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq [O'Neal].

"I like our chances, but we still have to play the games. Until you play the games, it doesn't count."

Jackson, who signed a three-year, $7.3 million contract before the start of last season, has been able to relax this summer because - unlike in the past - he knows where he'll be playing when the season begins.

"I know where I'll be at next year," the 33-year-old former Ohio State and Macomber High standout said. "I know what position I'm going to be in as far as being comfortable and being secure and not have to worry about what's going to happen come October.

"It gives you a comfort zone that you can go through the summer and focus in on what team you're going to be with, what players you're going to play with and what coach you're going to have to get prepared for for that season."

Jackson, who was selected with the fourth pick by the Dallas Mavericks in 1992, averaged 12.9 points and a career-best 6.1 rebounds as a starter in Houston. He posted his best scoring average in five seasons and ranked sixth in the league with a career-high 162 3-pointers while logging a career-high

3,119 minutes.

Jackson acknowledges playing for Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy contributed to him producing one of the best all-around seasons of his career.

"Playing under coach Van Gundy was great," he said. "I learned a lot, similar to playing for Pat Riley [in Miami]. He was open to suggestions.

"He's hard-nosed in the fact that he wants to win. He demands a lot as far as your concentration level and your commitment to winning and playing team basketball."

Many think that by acquiring McGrady, who averaged 28 points last season, Houston will be able to contend for an NBA title. Jackson is among those who believe McGrady's presence in Houston's lineup makes the Rockets an overall better team.

"I have a lot of respect for him as a player and the way he plays the game," Jackson said. "He's going to be the scorer and he's the guy we'll throw the ball to on the perimeter with Yao on the inside. I'll feed off of that and I'll make the game a lot easier on him to give him open shots, good looks."

Furthermore, Jackson thinks Yao, who averaged 17.5 points and 8.6 rebounds, still hasn't reached his full potential after just two seasons playing in the NBA.

"I put him right behind Shaq as far as centers are concerned because what he can do on the court - passing, shooting the basketball and understanding the game and his potential to be dominant," Jackson said.

He said he expected some roster changes after the Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Lakers in a closely contested series.

"We may have had more talent [than the Lakers] in some instances, but a lot of games come down to the mental preparation and how you execute on the court," Jackson said. "We didn't have that in that series and it was a learning experience.

"We felt we could beat the Lakers."

Jackson, a 6-6 guard/forward, has spent most of this week in his hometown hosting his annual basketball camp with fellow Toledoans Dennis Hopson and Todd Mitchell at the University of Toledo's Recreation Center.

This is Jackson's 12th year involved with the camp. More than 250 boys and girls have participated in this summer's camp that concludes today.

Contact Donald Emmons at: demmons@theblade.com or 419-724-6302.


The thought of next season has Toledo native Jim Jackson smiling. New teammate Tracy McGrady and center Yao Ming should make the Houston Rockets one of the teams to beat.

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I am kind of surprised that JJ is so drastically in favor of the deal just because I thought him and Cat were very close friends. I guess he understands its a business and this trade will help the team. I still can't beleive we got this guy for 3 years for only $7.3 mil. That's the best deal in the NBA (or one of the best anyway).