Jackson discusses return to San Antonio

As newly acquired San Antonio Spurs forward Stephen Jackson prepares to make his home debut in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jackson is preparing for not just his for his return to the city, but a return for the chance at winning another NBA championship.

French site rmcsport.fr recently caught up with Jackson and asked him a few questions regarding the trade, another opportunity at being coached by Gregg Popovich, some his favorite NBA players, what it’s going to take to return back to full rhythm, and his favorite memory in basketball.

Here is Jackson responding to being traded back to the San Antonio Spurs, the team where he won his first, and only championship with.

I’m very happy to be back. It’s been a long career, I’ve always wanted to come back after I left. I won a championship here. Being back is great.

According to Jackson, he and Spurs veteran Tim Duncan had minor discussions about Jackson returning to San Antonio one day.

I had a clue but I didn’t know for sure. I talked about it with Timmy (Duncan) earlier but I didn’t know it was going to happen, because we were so close from the deadline. I’m glad it did.

Being coached by Popovich, one of the best in the business, is no easy task, but Jackson is glad to be back under his guidance.

I think Pops is still crazy! (laughs) But in a good way. He helped us become the players we are today. Without a crazy coach, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

When asked how long it will take Jackson to get back into his full rhythm, Jackson gave himself his own timetable.

I’m going to give myself two weeks. The good thing is that we have a lot of games and not too much practice. So it shouldn’t take long.

Though he didn’t make the All-Star team for the first time in his career, Jackson still considers Duncan the greatest power forward to ever play the game. Jackson listed his five most dominant NBA players ever at each position.

Point guard: Magic Johnson. 2-guard: Michael Jordan. 3-guard: Larry Bird. At the 4: Tim Duncan. And at center: Wilt Chamberlain.

And finally, Jackson commented on his favorite basketball memory ever, for Jackson and the Spurs today, they will all hope to relive this memory at the end of this season.

Being able to grab that trophy in 2003! If you’re a real basketball player and you love the game, I think the ultimate goal is to win a championship. I was blessed to be a part of it in 03. So that’s my favorite memory.