Jackson, not Harrington, might be the one to go for Warriors

June 25, 1:31 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Stephen Jackson

Something's surely brewing between the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons, involving Baron Davis, Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace.

But I'll bet you one thing: the Warriors are probably trying to include Al Harrington in the deal. And if not in that one, in another.

Harrington’s got another two years on his contract at $9.2 million and $10 million, and he’s just never going to be that kind of player for the Warriors.

Particularly with Don Nelson the coach.

Harrington won’t be a $10-million player for any other team, either, so moving him won’t be simple. Maybe, but tough to count on.

Harrington is just not Nelson’s cup of tea. If Nelson had his way, Harrington would be about three inches taller, more athletic, a better rebounder … let’s just stop there. Few Warriors are jumped on by Nelson more than Harrington.

Point I’m getting around to is this: The Warriors should be looking to move Stephen Jackson. Why? Because his value is never going to be higher.

Jackson is coming off a career year in which he was a solid citizen and team leader. He was the Warriors’ best defender most of the time and hit more than a handful of big shots during the course of the past season-and-a-half.

But there are issues with Jackson. First, the Warriors’ biggest weakness is rebounding, and one of the reasons is that Jackson isn’t a good one, particularly when he plays the four spot.

The second is that Jackson has too much offensive responsibility on this team. Jackson is the best creator on the team next to Davis, but he’s a high risk-high reward guy who can really hurt you some nights. Facts are facts: Jackson’s a 40 percent shooter and turns the ball over too much.

Another looming issue with Jackson is his role on the team next season. Nelson gave Jackson tons of freedom in 2007-08. Too much you can argue. How can Nelson ever get that back? And if/when Nelson doesn’t get Jackson back, the Warriors will be worse off.

And, lastly, Jackson’s got two more years on his contract; Nelson, the only coach Jackson ever said he liked, will probably pack it in at the end of this season. Do you really want a new coach (whether it’s Keith Smart or not) when Jackson’s on the last year of his deal?

Jackson’s one of my favorite players on the Warriors because of his sheer competitiveness alone. The guy has kept his nose clean for a while now, something other GMs likely have taken notice of.

Truth is, Jackson is just the type of player a contending team might see the perfect need for.