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Stephen Jackson Shares Issues He’s Had With Gregg Popovich And The San Antonio Spurs

Stephen Jackson had a great career. He played in the NBA for 14-years and won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. But he also was one of the most contoversial players around, something that continued when his active career ended.

Captain Jack now revealed the issues he had with Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs during his time on the roster, that led to him eventually leaving.

While Jackson says that Popovich was a good coach, he also shared that he was glad that he was able to leave San Antonio, also because the system wasn’t meant for his game.

“I knew Pop was a good coach but I didn’t 100% trust him because I know he had three people he cared about: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker. I knew I wasn’t one of his guys, so I made it work for me. I got a ring out of the situation and I bounced.

They tried to lowball me and give Ginobili the money. So, I have all the respect for Pop for giving me that opportunity but San Antonio was not a place for me. As you see, I left San Antonio and had better years. That system wasn’t meant for my game. I’m glad I left. I’m thankful for the Championship but I’m glad I was able to leave San Antonio and be the best player I could be cause I wouldn’t have been that had I stayed there.”

Stephen Jackson sees similarities between his and Kawhi Leonard’s departure from the Spurs despite winning the 2003 NBA title in San Antonio.

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— Bally Sports (@BallySports) January 12, 2023