Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephen Jackson’s Net Worth?
Stephen Jackson, a former professional basketball player, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million throughout his career. His financial standing is primarily attributed to his earnings during his time in the NBA, spanning from 2000 to 2014. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his NBA career earnings, which totaled $68.6 million.
Stephen Jackson’s NBA Career Earnings
Stephen Jackson played for several NBA teams, contributing significantly to his $20 million net worth. His career earnings amounted to $68.6 million. He played for the New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers. His most successful years were during his time with the Indiana Pacers and the Golden State Warriors. He had a statistically strong first season with the team, averaging 18.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Jackson averaged 20.1 points per game as the Warriors failed to make it to the postseason.
Early Life and Education
Stephen Jackson was born on April 5, 1978, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Port Arthur. During his teenage years, Jackson worked at his grandfather’s soul food restaurant. He attended Lincoln High School, where he led the basketball team to a state championship in his junior year. For his senior year, he transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He was named a McDonald’s All-American. He attended Butler County Community College in Kansas for one semester. These early experiences shaped his work ethic and determination, which later contributed to his success and subsequent net worth.
Early Professional Basketball Career
Before his NBA debut, Stephen Jackson played in several pickup games with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. He was drafted by the team but later waived. He played for the CBA’s La Crosse Bobcats. He also played for the NBL’s Sydney Kings and professionally in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. These early experiences honed his skills and prepared him for his NBA career, contributing to his future financial success.
NBA Debut and Early Career
Stephen Jackson officially started his NBA career in the 2000-01 season with the New Jersey Nets. He appeared in 77 games and averaged 8.2 points per game. Jackson signed with the San Antonio Spurs for the 2001-02 season and improved in his second season, averaging 11.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 80 games. In the 2003 playoffs, he averaged 12.8 points per game as the Spurs won the NBA championship. This championship win significantly boosted his reputation and future earnings. In the 2003-04 season, Jackson signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 18.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. In a March game against the Washington Wizards, Jackson scored a career-best 42 points.
Indiana Pacers and “Malice at the Palace”
After the 2003-04 season, Jackson was traded to the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his first season. He was suspended for 30 games without pay for his involvement in the “Malice at the Palace” brawl. Additionally, he was put on probation for a year, fined $250, and ordered to undergo anger management classes and perform community service. Back on the court for the 2005 playoffs, Jackson led the Pacers with an average of 16.1 points per game. In the 2005-06 season, he averaged 16.4 points per game in 81 games for the Pacers. The financial impact of his suspension was partially offset by his overall performance and subsequent contracts.
Golden State Warriors
In early 2007, Jackson was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He helped the team reach the playoffs. In the 2007-08 season, Jackson averaged 20.1 points per game. The following season, he recorded career-high averages of 5.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. However, Jackson’s season ended early due to a foot injury and surgery. His performance with the Warriors increased his market value, influencing his future contract negotiations and net worth.
Charlotte Bobcats and Milwaukee Bucks
Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in late 2009. Early the next year, he set a Bobcats franchise record with 43 points in a game against the Houston Rockets. He helped lead the team to its first playoff appearance. He achieved the first triple-double in Bobcats history. In mid-2011, Jackson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. His tenure with the team was short, marked by injuries and clashes with coach Scott Skiles. Consequently, he was traded back to the Warriors in March of 2012. His time with these teams, though varied, contributed to his overall career earnings and net worth.
Return to San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers
Without playing a game for the Warriors, Jackson was traded back to the Spurs in 2012. The team reached the Conference playoffs. Jackson was waived by the team in the spring of 2013. In late 2013, Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was waived in early 2014 after averaging a career-low 1.7 points per game in nine games. Jackson would later retire from the NBA in the summer of 2015. His return to the Spurs and brief stint with the Clippers marked the end of his NBA career, but his past earnings continued to contribute to his net worth.
Big3 League and Coaching Career
In 2017, Jackson joined the Big3 basketball league. He became the head coach of the team Trilogy in 2021. He led the team to consecutive Big3 championships in 2021 and 2022. His involvement in the Big3 league as both a player and coach has provided additional income, further supporting his net worth.
Legal Issues and Activism
Stephen Jackson has had several legal issues, including his involvement in the “Malice at the Palace” brawl and an altercation at a strip club in Indianapolis in 2006, during which he fired several gunshots. For the incident, he was charged on a felony count of criminal recklessness and on misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct. Jackson ultimately received one year of probation, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and perform community service. While on suspension during the start of the 2007-08 NBA season, Jackson performed community service. He established the Stephen Jackson Academy of Art, Science, and Technology in Port Arthur, Texas. Later, he became a prominent activist in the Black Lives Matter movement, speaking at a protest rally in Minnesota for his late friend George Floyd. His activism and charitable work have also contributed to his public image and potential endorsement opportunities.
Personal Life
Jackson was previously engaged to Imani Showalter, with whom he had two children. He has multiple other children from other relationships. In early 2021, Jackson converted to Islam. While his personal life does not directly impact his net worth, his family commitments influence his financial decisions and overall financial planning.
