What a turnaround for the Warriors' Stephen Jackson: From bad boy to bobblehead

August 13, 11:59 AMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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If you’ve been watching any San Francisco Giants or Oakland A’s games on CSN Bay Area lately, you’ve certainly seen the commercials. A Stephen Jackson bobblehead reminds fans that Thursday is the first day you can buy Warriors’ five-game mini-plans (VIDEO BELOW).

Unbelievable.

It got me to thinking … sometimes you’ve just got to acknowledge an impressive turnaround and improbable comeback. Simply put, Jackson has had an incredible run in Oakland, and one worth noting.

Jackson came to the Warriors in January 2007, accompanied by a violent and criminal past. It didn’t end well in Indiana, with Jackson being virtually run out of town. After the brawl at the Palace, he became one of the most reviled players in the NBA.
 

Eighteen months later, Jackson is one of the faces of the Warriors’ franchise, his likeness and voice are featured in radio and television spots, he’s won both team- and NBA-sponsored community service awards, and next week he’ll launch his charitable foundation.

And don’t forget on the court, where Jackson helped lead the Warriors to their first playoff berth in 13 seasons. Nobody had a more important role in the Warriors' historic playoff upset of the Dallas Mavericks in 2006-07 than Jackson.

Last summer, coach Don Nelson named Jackson one of three team captains, the first time in Jackson’s career he had ever been one. He won the NBA’s Community Assist award for March and also the Angela and Chris Cohan Community Service award for the Warriors.

Adonal Foyle and Avery Johnson were former Warriors who also garnered that honor.

The Warriors started 1-6 without Jackson last season, then reeled off eight of nine after his return. He has hit countless big shots in a year and a half. Banged-up or not, he winds up practicing more than most of his teammates.

Before his first game as a Warrior, Jackson addressed the crowd and talked of turning things around and about being happy to be in the Bay Area. It was so easy to think … “Just another guy coming through.”

He’s been much more than that. Jackson’s been an important player and team leader, a fan favorite and positive factor in the community and locker room.

Nobody can predict the future, but for Stephen Jackson the recent past has been championship-caliber.