It's tough to objectively assess his Pacers career.
Most notably, the two incidents he's known for (and the only incidents in his life) occurred when he was with Indiana. He, Artest, and JO - their three best players - were all suspended for the most games following the brawl. His playing style never meshed with Rick Carlisle's system, which was basically micromanaged in every sense of the word. He underachieved in '05-06 and was horrible in '06-07 (while his gun incident served as a major distraction) before being traded to Golden State.
However... in '04-05 he was able to keep the team afloat and was their leading scorer in the playoffs. His professional relationship with Carlisle was poor, but his personal relationship with Carlisle was great (after Jack was hit by that car, Carlisle was literally by his side during his surgery). Fans who met him were shocked because he was so approachable and friendly - and his reputation certainly didn't portray that image. He played through injuries all the time.
I can understand why Pacers fans still resent him, but most of them forget about everything else. It's just an odd balance and I suppose it'll always remain that way.
I don't think Jackson was in the wrong system. When he was a rookie on the Nets the coaching staff said this kid just doesn't have the skill level to be an nba player. He was cut. He is 31 years old and just made it 10,000 points.
What is really going is Jackson was a late bloomer and it took him until his prime age actually the end of prime age he is approaching to be this good. He is also this good because he is playing for the Bobcats a team with no go to guy who's best player gets his points from fastbreaks, put backs, open lanes and garbadge points and so many of the other players are really good 4th best players on a team.
It was the perfect situation for him. He got to be the go to guy, creator and shoot as muchh as he wants to. He often goes streaks of 25 points a game and I think outside of the Warriors or Knicks he wouldn't of been able to do that.
Jackson is really best as A 2nd or 3rd guy in a regular team but were so deep Wallace and Jackson can be the 1-2 punch and they are abe to go without the third because they got so many great would be 4th options like Ray-DJ-Diaw-Hughes-Tyrus.
Most teams have a big 3 we have a deep 9 which is better imo. Although If Wallace gets any better and really perfects his shooting and creates more for himself and others he could cross into superstar.
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Resign Thomas-Felton-Hughes PLEASE
TBH Crash has improved his shooting tremendously. His jump shot looks like crap but it's a lot more consistent,
Hendo|MKG|Bismack
Proud Australian Bobcats Fan!!!
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