Mark A. Jackson was a prominent American basketball player in the NBA. Drafted by the New York Knicks in 1987, he showcased his skills as a point guard for various teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. His NBA career spanned from 1987 to 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
1958: Woody Sauldsberry Wins Rookie of the Year
In 1958, Woody Sauldsberry won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
April 1, 1965: Birth of Mark Jackson
Mark A. Jackson was born on April 1, 1965.
1985: Introduction of the Draft Lottery System
The NBA introduced the draft lottery system in 1985.
1987: Draft and Early Career with the Knicks
Drafted by the New York Knicks in 1987, Jackson joined a team with Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley. They became a strong playoff contender in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
1987: NBA Draft Selection
In 1987, Mark Jackson was selected by the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA draft.
1988: Rookie of the Year and Career Reflections
Despite winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1988, Jackson's individual achievements didn't reach the same heights again.
1988: Rookie of the Year Award
Mark Jackson won the Rookie of the Year award in 1988 after a strong performance with the Knicks, averaging 13.6 points and 10.6 assists per game. He was the lowest draft pick to win the award since Woody Sauldsberry in 1958.
1989: All-Star Season and Playoff Battles
In 1989, Jackson had a standout season, leading the Knicks to the Atlantic Division title and his only All-Star Game appearance. During the playoffs, the Knicks faced Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, with Jackson's playful taunt towards Jordan becoming a memorable moment.
1989: Lone All-Star Appearance
Mark Jackson's sole All-Star Game appearance came in 1989.
July 29, 1990: Mark Jackson Marries Desiree Coleman
Mark Jackson married singer and actress Desiree Coleman on July 29, 1990.
1990: Decline in Performance and Benching
Following a contract extension, Jackson's performance declined in the 1990 season. Factors like the departure of coach Rick Pitino and fitness concerns led to competition for his position, ultimately resulting in his benching during a crucial playoff game against the Boston Celtics.
1991: Trade to the Clippers and Playoff Run
After the 1991-92 season, Jackson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal. This trade brought Charles Smith and Doc Rivers to the Knicks. Jackson, alongside Danny Manning, Ron Harper, and coach Larry Brown, led the Clippers to consecutive playoff appearances.
1992: Trade to the Los Angeles Clippers
In 1992, before the Knicks reached their peak, Jackson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
1992: Golden State Warriors' Consecutive Playoff Appearances
The Golden State Warriors, under Jackson's guidance, reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1992.
1993: Golden State Warriors Achieve 50-Win Season
The 2013-2014 Golden State Warriors achieved their first 50-win season since the 1993-1994 season.
June 30, 1994: Trade to the Indiana Pacers
On June 30, 1994, the Indiana Pacers acquired Mark Jackson in a trade that sent Pooh Richardson, Malik Sealy, and draft rights to Eric Piatkowski to the Clippers. Jackson joined a Pacers team with Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Antonio Davis, and Dale Davis, making them strong contenders in the following years.
1996: Trade to the Denver Nuggets
Before the start of the 1996-97 NBA season, Jackson was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Jalen Rose.
1997: Return to the Pacers and Playoff Pursuit
In 1997, the Indiana Pacers traded for Jackson again to boost their on-court performance. The team, however, narrowly missed the playoffs that year, marking their only absence from the postseason in a decade and a half.
1998: Pacers Miss Playoffs
The Indiana Pacers missed the playoffs in 1998.
2000: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2000, Mark Jackson, as the starting point guard for the Indiana Pacers, played in his only NBA Finals. The Pacers faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers but lost the series in six games.
February 22, 2001: Trade Back to the Knicks and Playoff Run
On February 22, 2001, Jackson was traded back to the New York Knicks alongside Muggsy Bogues (who was later traded to the Dallas Mavericks). The Knicks, with Jackson as the starting point guard, secured the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference but were eliminated by the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs.
October 2, 2002: Signing with the Utah Jazz and Assists Milestone
Mark Jackson signed with the Utah Jazz on October 2, 2002, serving as a backup to John Stockton. During this season, Jackson achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing Magic Johnson to become the second on the NBA's all-time assists list, trailing only his teammate Stockton.
January 15, 2004: Final Season with the Houston Rockets
On January 15, 2004, Jackson signed with the Houston Rockets, backing up Steve Francis. This marked his final season in the NBA, and he retired at the end of the season after experiencing a decline in performance.
2004: Retirement from the NBA
Mark Jackson retired from playing in the NBA in 2004 after a long and successful career.
2006: Mark Jackson Involved in Extramarital Affair
Mark Jackson had an extramarital affair in 2006, which later led to an extortion attempt.
2006: Golden State Warriors' Playoff Drought
The Golden State Warriors hadn't reached the playoffs since the 2006-2007 season.
2008: Mark Jackson Leaves YES Network
Mark Jackson's unexpected departure from the YES Network at the end of the 2008 NBA season sparked rumors of him potentially coaching the New York Knicks. However, Jackson dismissed these rumors, stating his decision was based on personal reasons and his contract with ABC.
February 20, 2011: Mark Jackson's Brother, Troy "Escalade" Jackson, Passes Away
Mark Jackson's brother, Troy "Escalade" Jackson, died on February 20, 2011, at the age of 38.
June 6, 2011: Mark Jackson Hired as Head Coach of Golden State Warriors
On June 6, 2011, Mark Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors by new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.
2011: Coaching Career Begins
Mark Jackson was hired as head coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2011.
2011: Clippers' Return to Consecutive Playoff Appearances
The Los Angeles Clippers achieved consecutive playoff appearances in the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons.
June 2012: Mark Jackson Reveals Extortion Attempt
In June 2012, Mark Jackson revealed he had been a victim of an extortion attempt stemming from an extramarital affair and compromising photos taken in 2006. Jackson admitted to initially paying the individuals involved but eventually sought help from the FBI when the demands escalated.
2012: Mark Jackson Jr. Plays College Basketball
Mark Jackson Jr. played basketball for the Manhattan Jaspers during the 2012-2013 season after transferring from the University of Louisville.
2012: Clippers' Continued Playoff Success
The Clippers continued their playoff run in the 2012-2013 season, marking their second consecutive playoff appearance.
2012: Golden State Warriors' Challenging Season
During the 2012 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors, under Jackson's leadership, faced difficulties including player injuries and adapting to a new system, resulting in a 23-43 record.
2013: Mark Jackson Earns Contract Extension with Warriors
Mark Jackson's contract with the Golden State Warriors was extended in 2013, securing his position through the 2014-2015 season.
2013: End of Clippers' Playoff Streak
The Clippers' streak of consecutive playoff appearances ended in the 2012-2013 season.
May 6, 2014: Mark Jackson Removed as Head Coach of Golden State Warriors
Despite improvements, Mark Jackson was removed as head coach of the Warriors on May 6, 2014, with the front office citing the need for a different coach to win a championship.
May 17, 2014: Mark Jackson Returns to ESPN as Game Analyst
Mark Jackson rejoined ESPN as a game analyst through a multiyear agreement reached on May 17, 2014.
2014: Dismissal from Golden State Warriors
Despite leading the Warriors to consecutive playoff appearances, Jackson was fired from his position as head coach in 2014.
2016: Malcolm Brogdon Wins Rookie of the Year
Malcolm Brogdon won the Rookie of the Year award as a second round pick in the 2016-17 season.
2017: Mark Jackson and Desiree Coleman Divorce
In 2017, Mark Jackson and Desiree Coleman divorced after 27 years of marriage.
2022: Joel Embiid Wins NBA MVP Award
Joel Embiid was named the NBA MVP for the 2022-2023 season.
May 2023: Mark Jackson's MVP Vote Sparks Controversy
In May 2023, Mark Jackson faced criticism for being the only voter who didn't include Nikola Jokić in his top five for the 2022-2023 NBA MVP award. Jackson later publicly apologized, acknowledging his mistake and praising Jokić's exceptional talent.
July 31, 2023: Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy Let Go by ESPN
On July 31, 2023, ESPN laid off Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. Doc Rivers and Doris Burke replaced them on the lead broadcast team.
2023: Departure from ESPN
Mark Jackson continued working as a commentator for ESPN after his coaching career, but was let go in 2023.