Every player on a team serves a particular purpose. There are the quiet ones, content with letting their play on the court speak for themselves. There are also the colorful players, who lighten a locker room with their sense of humor and bright outlook. And then there are the father figures – those who embrace offering teammates their vast wisdom and guidance.

No one on the Sacramento Kings plays that role better than crowd favorite Bobby Jackson. And it's no surprise the father of four, with a fifth child due in February, is committed to fulfilling that position in his second go-round with the Kings.

Jackson’s paternal tendencies can be traced to his affinity and devotion to his ever-expanding family. He understands the importance of being a father to his children, Breann (age 14), Kendrick (age 12), Sarah (age 7) and Skyy (age 4). Growing up in Salisbury, North Carolina, the veteran guard spent his youth without his own father around. His mother, Sarah, raised him and his sister, Barbara Ann, as a single parent.

“Once I saw what she went through,” Jackson said sitting in the Kings practice facility. “I couldn’t let my kids grow up in that type of situation or environment. I wanted the best for them.”

Working as a hotel manager and house cleaner, Jackson’s mother juggled two jobs during his childhood. Seeing his mother’s struggles taught Jackson the resolve he applies to his parenting and leadership.

"These young guys have seen what I’ve been through. They’ve seen the ups and the downs. They’ve seen the battles. And who better to learn from than a 12-year guy who’s won everywhere he’s been?”

— Bobby Jackson on setting an example for the young Kings players.

“I think my mom made me a better parent because I watched how she fought as an individual in charge of a single-parent family,” Jackson said of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2003.

His first venture into parenthood began at an early age. At 21, Jackson’s first daughter, Breann, was born. And two years later, his only son, Kendrick, came into the world. Like his basketball game, his parenting abilities have come a long way since then.

“Everything changes with each new addition,” Jackson said reflectively. “Every kid’s personality is totally special, so you have to treat each one differently.”

Similar to NBA players who make the jump to the League after one year in college, Jackson was forced to mature at a young age when he became a father. And part of that maturation process was learning valuable lessons in setting priorities.

“I had to be a father, first, before I could hang with my friends,” Jackson said.

Over the span of his 12-year career, Jackson has understood the purpose of setting priorities as both a basketball player and a dad. However, maintaining a balance between the two is something Jackson admits is still difficult.

“It’s very hard,” Jackson said with a sympathetic sigh. “You have to make it your job to be a father because there are days when you can drift from your kids because you’re tired.”

Though Jackson separates his family life and professional career, the 2003 Sixth Man of the Year understands how his fatherly personality links the two.

“I feel I’m pretty good with helping young guys because I’ve done a lot and seen a lot,” Jackson said. “And also because I didn’t have a mentor when I was growing up.”

The Kings youth has benefitted from the crafty veteran’s experience. Rookies like Bobby Brown have welcomed and appreciated advice from the Kings fan favorite.

“He lets me ask him anything,” Brown said humbly. “Even if I think it might be a dumb question, he tells me to ask anyway. He’s just helping me become better on the floor.”

No other player has benefitted from Jackson’s guidance more than Kings resident superstar, Kevin Martin. The efficient-scoring guard spent his first season in the League learning the ropes from the wise veteran.

“He’s a great person to learn from,” Martin said respectfully of Jackson. “He taught me the value of working hard and how to carry myself as a pro.”

Brown and Martin are just two examples of how Jackson’s paternal role has overlapped into his basketball career. He’s helped numerous players along the way through his leadership and vocal personality. But Jackson still knows he has a great deal of hoops insight to impart on this young Kings team.

“These young guys have seen what I’ve been through,” Jackson said confidently. “They’ve seen the ups and the downs. They’ve seen the battles. And who better to learn from than a 12-year guy who’s won everywhere he’s been?”

Throughout his career, Jackson has proved to be one of the most reliable bench producers of his generation. However, it's his paternal impact in the locker room and his home that has earned him well-deserved admiration and respect from teammates, fans and family.