Heading into the 2012-13 season, San Antonio Spurs' Stephen Jackson will be in a contract year and will be looking to show the Spurs he definitely deserves a contract extension.
This past season wasn't his first time in a Spurs uniform. Back in 2003 he was part of the San Antonio team which marched to an NBA title and he proved how critical he was to that title run. Since the, he was bounced around playing for the Warriors, Hawks, Bucks and Bobcats before coming back to the Alamo City last season. Much to his relief especially after coming from the Bobcats to a winning organization.
However, if Jackson does remain with the Spurs, he will like to finish his playing career with San Antonio and the team which netted him his only NBA championship.
Jackson recently said he would not mind retiring with San Antonio but is fully aware of the business aspect of the league (h/t Project Spurs).
If things work out in San Antonio I wouldn't mind finishing my career there. But you know it's a business and I'm one of those guys that doesn't mind going to play somewhere else. I've been on seven different teams.
Last season, the 34-year old player averaged 8.9 points, 1.3 steals, 2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 21 regular season games for the Spurs last season while averaging 8.3 points and 1.7 assists in 14 playoff games. However, he was acquired mid-season but will have the benefit of a full training camp and 82-game season to mesh more with the team and hopefully earn himself an extension.
But with the light at the end of the tunnel on Spurs' Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili's NBA career, who knows if the Spurs will keep the older Jackson and look for a younger player at his position or keep him on as the veteran presence should the team have a youth-movement.
