Jackson

Guard Bobby Jackson signed with the Hornets in the summer of 2006, after one season in Memphis. Prior to his stint with the Grizzlies, the energetic veteran received leaguewide acclaim as a valuable reserve for the Sacramento Kings. In 2002-03, Jackson became the first player in Kings history to be named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.

Jackson had a pair of Sacramento connections when he signed with the Hornets. Current Hornets head coach Byron Scott was an assistant coach for the Kings in 1998-99 and 1999-2000, while Peja Stojakovic was Jackson’s teammate in California’s capital city for five seasons.

Most memorable moment in the NBA: “Getting drafted in 1997. Being from North Carolina like I am, it was even more special because the NBA draft was held in Charlotte that year. I was the first guy from my area in North Carolina to ever get drafted.”

Most memorable dunk in the NBA: “When I played for the Kings, I had one over (then-Denver forward) James Posey that was pretty nice. He tried to block it, but I got him.”

Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie: “Practices. How hard we practice.”

Toughest player to face at his position: Allen Iverson. “Without a doubt. First, because he’s fast and quick. Second, because he shoots a lot. You’ve got to guard him and you can’t take a break.”

Most underrated player in the NBA: Houston’s Shane Battier, a teammate of Jackson’s last season in Memphis. “I don’t think people really understand what he does. He’s a great defender, a great rebounder. Everyone looks at scoring. He’s not a great scorer, but he does a lot of other things. He’s a great help defender and takes a lot of charges.”

Favorite road arena: “For some reason, I love playing in Dallas. I always seem to play well there.”

Change he’d make if he were NBA commissioner: “I’d loosen up on some of the rules. They’ve got to let us be men. I understand what they’re trying to do, but they take away armbands, headbands… things guys are comfortable doing. When you’re on the basketball court, you want to feel free. But I also know David Stern’s job is hard and he’s doing things for the (betterment) of the NBA and the community.”