Jackson: 'Doesn't want to start over'
12/31/2004NEW ORLEANS - Toledoan Jim Jackson apparently is miffed at being traded to the team with the worst record in the NBA, according to the Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Hornets suspended the veteran guard on Wednesday for failing to report within 48 hours following his trade from the Houston Rockets.
Jackson's salary is $2.475 million per season, so he lost a game check of $27,500 for missing Wednesday's 107-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns - 1/90th of his annual salary - the newspaper reported.
Hornets general manager Allan Bristow told the newspaper that Jackson told the team of his decision not to report Tuesday during a 50-minute conference call that included coach Byron Scott, director of player personnel Jeff Bower, and Jackson's agent, Mark Termini.
"He explained his side," Bristow said, "and we had an opportunity to express our feelings that he could come in and start this year and maybe next year. We're looking more maybe next year than this year, because of all the injuries and trying to get everybody back together. Jim Jackson would be a big part of that."
Said Scott: "I got the feeling from the conversation that he didn't plan on showing up. He said he was disappointed and that he didn't want to start over. He wants to have a chance to win a championship, just like 200 other players in this league."
Jackson was obtained by the Hornets, along with forward Bostjan Nachbar, on Monday in exchange for veteran guard David Wesley.
Bristow says he understands Jackson's feelings.
"Jim is 34 years old. He's been in the league for 12 years. Being traded is traumatic for any player. I've experienced it."
Jackson has played for 10 NBA teams.
He averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 24 games this season for the Rockets.