Just in case you forgot, Warriors star Stephen Jackson reminded everyone on Tuesday that he wants out of Oakland. An eventful preseason practice at Warriors headquarters resulted in Jackson being stripped of his captaincy -- per his own request.
Jackson said 'being a team captain is overrated' and added he no longer wants to be a role model for his younger teammates. Just last year, upon signing a 3-year/$28M contract extension -- Jackson said he looked forward to 'helping this young team develop'.
Things have deteriorated -- quickly -- between Jackson and the Warriors. He was suspended without pay for two preseason games after his outburst last Friday against the Lakers. He committed five fouls and was charged with a technical foul in less than 10 minutes of play -- which prompted Head Coach Don Nelson to send Jackson to the locker room. The Warriors cited his actions as 'conduct detrimental to the team'. Jackson was also fined $25,000 for his off-season comments in which he publicly requested a trade.
On Tuesday, when asked about his strained relationship with the Warriors -- Jackson promptly replied "I love adversity. I make love to pressure."
The pressure appears to be on the Warriors, who are now seeking to trade their disgruntled former team captain. Trading Jackson will be no easy task considering his age (31) and hefty guaranteed contract.
