Mark Jackson, Warriors Coach: A Look Back At His Playing Career

Since we have no background on how good Mark Jackson will be as a head coach, we can only look back at his playing career and try and come up with some conclusions. Unfortunately, what we come up with is still fairly inconclusive.
New York Knicks (1987-92)
Jackson made his mark early, dishing anywhere from six to eleven assists a game in his first five seasons. He was happy to give Patrick Ewing, Gerald Wilkins, Johnny Newman and Charles Oakley the rock and let them produce. He proved to be a solid shooter and finisher at the rim, and decent enough at running the break (although he was fairly slow, forcing him to gamble a lot on defense).
After getting eliminated by the Chicago Bulls in seven games, Pat Riley sent Jackson into virtual exile.
Los Angeles Clippers (1992-94)
Jackson actually had to shoulder a greater scoring load on a crappier team, and his productivity didn't drop off too much. But of course, it's the Clippers. Next stop!
Indiana Pacers (1994-96)
A point guard is never going to look glamorous playing for the notoriously slow-paced Larry Brown, and that's about what happened with Jackson's numbers in Indiana--lower point totals, lower assist totals, lower shooting numbers (although the shooting did get better his second season with the Pacers). Jackson would help out Reggie Miller to finally conquer the Knicks, although they were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Denver Nuggets (1996-97)
Traded for Jalen Rose.
Indiana Pacers (1997-2000)
Traded back for chump change (Vincent Askew, Eddie Johnson, second round picks). And you wonder why Donnie Walsh was forced to resign from the Knicks (no seriously, I'm still wondering why too).
Although Jackson was fine enough as a starting point guard, his shooting numbers declined and he was now glacially slow on both sides of the floor. His three best shots at a title came during this stretch, but they were foiled by the Last Dance Chicago Bulls (particularly Scottie Pippen's hounding ball pressure), the Larry Johnson four point play, and the Big Diesel.
Raptors, then Knicks (2000-02)
Totally forgettable stints. Jackson fed Vince Carter pretty well, but he was traded to the Knicks mid-season...only to lose to the Raptors in the playoffs.
Utah Jazz (2002-03)
Not Jackson's finest hour. He averaged 4.7 points per game and 4.6 assists per game as John Stockton's backup, but it was also long-rumored he tried to push out Stockton entirely (worse of all, Stockton did end up retiring after that season, and you'd have to feel Jackson had something to do with it). You can check out the feature over at Sports Illustrated.
Houston Rockets (2003-04)
In one last stint with Van Gundy, Jackson backed up Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley and barely saw the floor, shooting 34%, dishing 2.8 assists and producing 2.5 points per game.
NBA on ESPN (2007-present)
Punching bag for Van Gundy's bizarre sense of humor in one of the strangest three man booths in NBA history.

Despite a solid record of productivity in every stint, it has to be worrisome that Jackson ended up getting traded six times and played with seven teams. If he's that solid a leader on the court, why are teams so eager to dispense with his talents?
What does Mark Jackson's playing career tell you about his potential as a head coach? Let us know in the comments!

Mark Jackson named new Warriors coach

The NBA is getting another first-time co

Mark Jackson, a former 17-year NBA guard who played for seven organizations, including the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers twice, was named Monday as coach of the Golden State Warriors. He replaces coach Keith Smart, who was fired after one season and a 36-46 record and another non-playoff year for the franchise.

Jackson, who teams with former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy and play-by-play man Mike Breen on ABC/ESPN telecasts of the NBA Finals, will take over the Warriors once the Finals are finished.

Jackson has wanted to become a head coach for some time and interviewed for jobs the last few years.

"After an extensive search and a great deal of consideration, we have come to the conclusion that Mark Jackson is the best coach for this team," Warriors General Manager Larry Riley said in a statement. "He will bring a youthful and fresh approach to our team and the fact that he enjoyed a stellar playing career, where he served most of that time as the leader of some very successful teams, will prove invaluable in the long run.

"We were looking for a coach with leadership ability and a strong personality and believe Mark possesses those qualities. He's very well respected in NBA circles, is a consummate professional and his knowledge and background will be an incredible asset for our team and organization."ach, and the TV ranks are losing one of their best analysts.

Jackson, 46, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., starred at St. John's and was selected by the Knicks in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. He averaged 9.6 points and 8.0 assists and led the league in assists at 11.4 in the 1996-97 season while with the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets. He also played for the Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets.

"I am really elated about this opportunity, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of building the Warriors into a perennial contender," Jackson said in the statement. "I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the organization during our meetings, beginning at the top with (owner) Joe Lacob and, of course, with Larry Riley, Bob Myers and Jerry West.

"I have sensed that Joe is committed to winning and building a team and a culture the right way. I think we all witnessed that with some of the recent front office additions, as well, and some of the other positive things that have been done in recent months. This is an incredible opportunity, and I am honored and thank God that I have been chosen to be the next coach of the Warriors.

"The Bay Area has always had some of the best fans in the NBA, and I look forward to being a part of that incredible atmosphere at Oracle Arena, along with my wife, my kids and my church family, who are thrilled as well."