May 30, 2007

Including his 22-point outing at Houston on April 14, Marc Jackson compiled double-digit scoring in seven of the Hornets’ final eight regular season games.

Hornets.com continues its look back at 2006-07 with player-by-player analysis of each Hornet who appeared in at least half of the team’s games last season:

Marc Jackson
NBA experience: Seven seasons (1 ½ with Warriors, 1 ½ with Timberwolves, two with 76ers, ½ with Nets, 1 ½ with Hornets)
Age: 32.
Games played (starts): 56 (25).
Key statistical averages: 7.3 points, 3.4 rebounds.
What we expected: Following a midseason trade from New Jersey to the Hornets in 2005-06, Jackson closed that season in encouraging fashion, coming through with several clutch offensive performances. Entering 2006-07, he was projected as a key reserve frontcourt player who would provide some scoring punch, featuring an accurate 18-footer. With the remainder of the Hornets’ big men off the bench possessing little NBA experience (Hilton Armstrong, Cedric Simmons, Brandon Bass), the Philadelphia native was also expected to provide a valuable veteran presence and serve as a mentor for younger players.

What went right: The Temple University product was at his best in the final month of the season, averaging 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds over eight April games. His previous single-month highs in 2006-07 were posted in December, when he started seven times over 14 appearances and averaged 10.4 points and 3.9 rebounds. Jackson compiled double-figure scoring in seven of the Hornets’ last eight games, highlighted by a 22-point outing at Houston on April 14.

What went wrong: Like the majority of the Hornets’ roster, Jackson battled injuries. The only difference was that Jackson’s problems with ailments began BEFORE the start of the season. Hamstring and groin injuries forced the 6-foot-10 power forward/center to miss the first nine games of the season. Following his return to the floor Nov. 18 at Minnesota, he struggled to play consistently or find a permanent spot in the lineup. From late January through early March, he was essentially out of Byron Scott’s rotation.

The future: Jackson is an unrestricted free agent this summer. It’s uncertain whether he will re-sign with the Hornets, particularly with the club in the midst of trying to develop 2006 first-round picks and fellow big men Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons.