Marc Jackson doesn’t respect the game
October 8, 2007 by Julien
You probably remember Chris Webber’s words after he turned down Olympiakos’ offer : “It’s no disrespect but I can’t do that. I’m an NBA guy. I don’t want to just chase money. I want to make sure I respect the game.”
Then it seems like Marc Jackson doesn’t respect the game the way C-Webb does as he just signed a 1 year-deal with the Reds.
The 32 year-old big man is no newcomer in Europe as he played in Turkey and Spain before making his debut in the NBA. His career took a very odd path as he started by being elected in the All-NBA Rookie Team before being traded a hundred times 3 times in 3 years.
Olympiakos now has an NBA frontcourt with Jake Tsakalidis and Jackson. Not to mention 2 former NBA draft picks (Baby Shaq & Mavrokefalidis). Oh and Greek NT supersub Bourousis…
Couldn’t disagree with you more.
1. Marc Jackson is one of the most hardworking players in the NBA.
2. He’s but nothing but a positive presence in any lockeroom he’s been in.
3. If you know anything about him from his days at Temple, he grew up in serious poverty, and if there’s any “love for money” he has…it’s because he values and understands what it’s like to be without it, and has always had an overwhelming desire to make sure his family is comfortable…not because he’s greedy and is looking to make a quick buck.
4. He didn’t get any offers from NBA teams over the summer. Why not, at age 32, go to Europe for a year, have a nice season, and be back on the rader again?
Dave, I’m glad you shared your thoughts & knowledge about Marc. I was more being sarcastic about Chris Webber’s idea of “respecting the game” than criticizing Marc Jackson in any way. I know he didn’t gey any serious NBA offer and I’m a huge European basketball fan. I think he’ll strive in here and I believe it’s good news he’s coming over.
I spent 3 hours on a plane sitting next to Marc Jackson and I am better for that. He dispelled any myths I had about big league ballers. He was genuine, honest, approachable, and most of all he was not arrogant. I found that he had a lvel head and put a great deal of thought into every decision he made. He was grounded in an otherwise unsettling job. And I have seen his game - going back to Temple. He still has it.