Mark Jackson

“Hand Down, Man Down”

Mark Jackson born April 1, 1965 in Brooklyn, New York was  drafted from St. Johns University as the 18th pick in the first round of the 1987 draft. Mark Jackson was the 1987 – 1988 NBA Rookie of the year and voted to the 1989 NBA All-Star team. He is the 3rd all time assists leader, the 15th all time playoff assists leader, the 24th all time steals (tied with Kevin Garnet) & he is one of only 70 players to ever get 22 assists or more in one game. He Averaged a double double his rookie year with 13.6 points and 10.6 assists per game. he was the lowest overall draft pick to win the award since Woody Sauldsberry in 1958. Also He is the only non-lottery pick to have won the award since the introduction of the system in 1985. He’s also notable for prompting an NBA rule change. In response to Jackson’s penchant for backing down opposing point guards in the post for 15 or more seconds at a time, the league instituted the Five-second rule, sometimes referred to as the “Mark Jackson Rule,” prohibiting an offensive player from dribbling with his back to the basket for more than 5 consecutive seconds when below the free throw line. However (being 24) I know Mark Jackson from “momma there goes that man again”. He is IMO the greatest basketball commentator to ever do it. Always having great insight on the games and having the best catch phrases ever. He’s commentated and been an analyst for the better part of 7 years. He has recently been announced as the new head coach for the Golden State Warriors.

Mark Jackson you will be missed.