The Chicago Bulls have a very interesting combination of players in their newly revamped roster centered around Jimmy Butler. With the additions of Robin Lopez, Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, the Chicago Bulls look like a completely different team from previous years. With aspirations of becoming a playoff contender, the backcourt of the Bulls has reached out to former NBA player Stephen Jackson for his duties next year.
According to Stephen Jackson himself, who spoke with Raul Barrigon of Hoops Hype, discussed the chances of a return to the NBA after a 17 year career, which included and NBA championship in 2003. There were rumours that Jackson had received interest from his former teams the Warriors and Spurs, and now it looks like the Chicago Bulls may now be in the running too. Per Barrigon:
I read you told Jimmy Butler that if any team signs Ray Allen before you they’re losing their mind…
SJ: Well, actually not a lot of people know that Jimmy has been calling me. We’ve been talking for like three months now. Even [Rajon] Rondo has been calling me, they really want me on the Bulls team. I’ve been talking to a lot of guys, because guys know what I bring. There’s not many guys like me. There’s probably one or two guys in the NBA like me that can play both ways and don’t mind really shutting the guy down. I’m a winner, I’ve been in the playoffs many years. Guys know I’m a great teammate, Tim Duncan called me the ultimate teammate. I know how to play good for the guy next to me. I’m getting calls and I will be ready and that’s the biggest part.
Over the past 2 years, Jackson has been keeping in shape playing in the AEBL, an Atlanta basketball mens league, and now he’s ready to try to make a comeback. Teams will be hesitant to sign a 38-year-old veteran but a veteran who has grit like Jackson will always gauge enough interest to raise the question is he ready to make a comeback? The best part of the interview is when Jackson is asked if he has discussed a comeback with Baron Davis or Derrick Fisher. Jackson’s response was very Stephen Jackson-like:
Baron Davis is trying to return to the NBA too and Derek Fisher is open to the idea. Have you been in contact with them or any other player who is looking for an NBA comeback?
SJ: First, I don’t talk to Derek Fisher. He’s not my type of guy. Matt Barnes is my buddy. I really don’t believe in playing with a guy… You know two or three years on a team and then dating his wife. That’s just something NBA players don’t do. I never believed in that. He went against the code 100 percent. On the other hand, Baron is my brother, we talk every day. We’ve been close friends since we were 16 years old. I really think Baron Davis could come back to the NBA. Baron was dominant for a long time in the league. I watch him play now, even with two knee injuries, and he’s still moving well.
Stephen Jackson, never change.
