Marc Jackson chatted live with fans on Feb. 3.
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A veteran of five years in the NBA, 76ers center and Philadelphia native Marc Jackson's professional career has spanned the globe.
Jackson was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the second round (38th pick overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft after his junior season at Temple University. However, before making the jump to the NBA, he played three seasons internationally (1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000) making stops in Tofas Bursa (Turkey), Lobos Caja Cantabria (Spain) and Cantabria Lobos (Spain).
Jackson eventually joined the Warriors for the 2000-01 season, where he finished third in the Rookie of the Year balloting (behind Mike Miller and Kenyon Martin) and was an All-Rookie selection. He would be traded by the Warriors to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 21, 2002. where he would spend a season and a half. Jackson, who attended Philadelphia?s Roman Catholic High School, finally came full circle in 2003, when he was acquired by the Sixers from Minnesota in a three-team deal on July 23, 2003.
Jackson is having a much better season in 2004-05 than he did in 2003-04 when he missed 57 games due to injury that included surgery on his fractured left ring finger, and a left foot stress reaction and bone contusion which hampered the later stages of his season. So far this year, Jackson ranks second on the team in scoring (12.9) and has scored 20 or more points four times. He has started 22 times and played in all 43 games as of Jan. 31.
Jackson has continually taken an interest in the community. Teaming up with the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank for the second-straight year, Jackson has donated 300 turkey dinners to area families. He also has served as the Honorary Commissioner of the 76ers Playground Rebound program, which has provided new backboards to 12 Philadelphia playgrounds. In November 2003, Jackson received the NBA?s Community Assist Award along with teammate Aaron McKie, recognizing their dedication to the Philadelphia Community.
Jackson chatted live with fans on Thursday, Feb. 3. See the complete chat transcript below:
Matt Raisman, (Philadelphia): Hey Marc...I am a big fan and wish you the best of luck this season!
How much did Temple Coach Jon Chaney impact your life inside and outside of basketball?
Marc Jackson: Good question. Coach Chaney was very, very important in my life. He taught me that basketaball and life do co-exist. He helped my game and my life.
Darren C. Jacobs (Holland): Marc, I love your game so much! I was wondering what Kevin Garnett might have taught you in Minnesota?
Marc Jackson: Another good question. KG taught me about patience in the game. You don't always have to be quick with your move or your attack. You sometimes need to wait that split second, let things develop and then make your move.
Ashley (Lancaster): I love watching your strength underneath. Does being vocal help your confidence?
Marc Jackson: Being vocal doesn't help MY confidence, it helps the TEAM'S confidence. It helps me direct the team from the floor, almost like a point guard does. I want my guys to know when a pick is coming or a situation is developing and being vocal is a great way to do that and help the team.
Bruno-Portugal: Hi Marc!
I´m a Philly fan and I would like to say you are playing good basketball. Now here is my question .
What do you think is the reason for this team having inconsistent moments all season? They won against Dallas and they lose against New Orleans?
Marc Jackson: Another great question. We are not playing consistently, especially on the defensive end. Some games we come out and do what we need to do defensively, and sometimes we don't. We need to fix that in order to continue to improve.
Manahawkin: Marc- You play center very well, however I think you are also quite effective playing the 4 spot. Do you think you may start seeing more time playing alongside Sammy and maybe shifting Kenny Thomas to play the occassional 3?
Marc Jackson: Yes. That would help the team in many spots, me playing along with Sammy. Before the season is out, I think we'll see that.
Calvin D. Tesler (Philadelphia): What do you think of the 76ers chances in the playoffs? (I know they will win the Atlantic!!!)
Marc Jackson: I think we have a very good chance, we have all the key elements. We have a great point, we have shotblockers, we have rebounders, we have shooters. We just need to buckle down, play hard every night and we can make the playoffs. Once you make the playoffs, it's wide open what you can do.
Demetrius (Savannah): How much are you impressed by the rookie Andre Iguodala?
Marc Jackson: I'm very impressed with Andre, because of his ability to do everything. He can shoot the open shot, create his own shot, he can penetrate with ease, and he can defend guys from the one to the three. He's good.
Providence: How does it feel working with one of the best players in the league in Allen Iverson?
Marc Jackson: It's a great privilege to play with a guy like Allen. It's like playing with KG. You got two superstars, who are all about winning. The impact they have on the NBA and the fans around the league is just incredible.
Demetrius (Savannah): What will the team do to pick up the slack in the second half of the season?
Marc Jackson: We need to be more consistent, especially on the defensive end. Every possession, every game, we need that defensive commitment. We do that and we'll be OK.
Marc Jackson: First of all, thanks to all the fans who sent in questions for the chat. Keep watching the Sixers, we've been up and down for the first half of the season, but the second half of the season will be all about climbing to the top.
