Stephen Jackson (2009-2011)
Stephen Jackson did not spent much time as a member of the Charlotte Bobcats, but he wasted no time in making his presence felt upon his arrival. Acquired in a trade with the Golden State Warriors in November of 2009, Jackson quickly acclimated to his new surroundings and provided a spark to a Charlotte team that needed it.
The 2009-10 Bobcats began the year with a 3-6 record, including a humiliating opening night loss against the Boston Celtics by a score of 92-59. Charlotte’s 59 points still stands as the lowest point total by any NBA team in a season opener since the 1952 Baltimore Bullets scored 53 points in their first contest of the year.
Needing a spark, Charlotte made the move for Jackson. After dropping their first three games with him in the lineup, they would go 41-28 in games that Jackson played from that point forward.
His most prolific individual performance came on January 12, 2010, when Charlotte hosted the Houston Rockets, as he registered 43 points and 8 rebounds on 68% shooting in a Bobcats victory. Jackson’s 43 points remains the highest scoring output by a player during the Bobcats era.
His stellar play helped lead the Bobcats to a 44-38 record and the franchise’s first playoff appearance since returning to the NBA in 2004. Although they would get swept by the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic, Jackson still managed to lead Charlotte in scoring for the series.
The following season was not as successful, although Jackson’s individual numbers were still strong as he led the team in scoring yet again. After the team traded Gerald Wallace at midseason, Jackson became increasingly frustrated, eventually departing the team during the 2011 offseason in a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Overall, Jackson averaged 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 143 games during his tenure with Charlotte.