While playing for under $700,000, Stephen Jackson helped the Spurs win the 2003 title. A free agent that offseason, Jackson wanted to be rewarded for his efforts, and San Antonio offered a three-year, $10 million contract. Jackson hesitated, and the Spurs yanked the offer, leaving Jackson with no better option than a one-year, $1 million contract with the Hawks.
But Jackson proved his value in Atlanta and netted a big contract with the Pacers the next year and an even bigger extension from the Warriors that paid him through this season, the final dollars come from the Spurs.
So, while San Antonio is playing in the Finals after waiving Jackson late this season, he believes he had the last laugh. Buck Harvey of the San Antonio News-Express:
Any regrets, he was asked?
“Nope,” he said. “Got my money.”
Jackson believes he’s better than Manu Ginobili and Danny Green.
Jackson said his release “was best for me so I wouldn’t go crazy.”
