Stephen Jackson, a former NBA champion and outspoken cultural figure, has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Over a 14-season NBA career (2000–2014), Jackson established himself as a gritty scorer, tough defender, and emotional leader, playing for eight different franchises across the league.
Best known for his role with the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Bobcats, Jackson averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 858 career games.
He won an NBA championship in 2003 with San Antonio and later became the heartbeat of the Warriors’ unforgettable 2007 “We Believe” playoff run, when Golden State stunned the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks.
NBA Career Earnings And Salary Breakdown
Throughout his NBA career, Stephen Jackson earned approximately $68.6 million in total salary, reflecting his progression from fringe roster player to well-paid veteran leader.
Early Career (2000–2003)
Jackson entered the league on modest contracts. He earned:
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$317,000 during his rookie season with the New Jersey Nets
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Approximately $590,850 and $699,935 during his first stint with the Spurs
Atlanta Hawks (2003–2004)
After becoming a free agent, Jackson signed a two-year deal with Atlanta, earning about $1 million for the 2003–04 season while emerging as a reliable scoring wing.
Indiana Pacers (2004–2007)
Jackson’s earnings jumped significantly in Indiana:
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$5.1 million in 2004–05
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$5.6 million in 2005–06
He was a full-time starter and key contributor on a competitive Pacers roster.
Golden State Warriors (2006–2010)
While with Golden State, Jackson earned between $6.1 million and $7.1 million per season, playing a central role in the franchise’s revival and playoff success.
Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2011)
This period marked the financial peak of his career:
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$7.65 million in 2009–10
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$8.45 million in 2010–11
Milwaukee Bucks & Spurs Return (2011–2013)
Jackson earned:
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$9.26 million with Milwaukee
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$10.06 million during his second stint with San Antonio
Los Angeles Clippers (2013–2014)
In his final NBA season, Jackson earned approximately $238,739 before retiring shortly afterward.
Early Life And Education
Stephen Jackson was born on April 5, 1978, in Houston, Texas, and raised in Port Arthur by his single mother, Judyette.
As a teenager, he worked in his grandfather’s soul food restaurant while coping with personal tragedy, including the violent death of his half-brother.
Jackson starred at Lincoln High School, leading the team to a state championship, before transferring to Oak Hill Academy, where he earned McDonald’s All-American honors.
Academic challenges led him to attend Butler County Community College for a short period.
Road To The NBA
Before entering the NBA, Jackson’s path was unconventional. He went undrafted, was briefly signed and waived by the Phoenix Suns, and played professionally across multiple leagues, including:
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The CBA
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Australia’s NBL
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Venezuela and the Dominican Republic
His persistence eventually earned him a roster spot with the New Jersey Nets in 2000.
NBA Career Highlights By Team
New Jersey Nets
Jackson made his NBA debut in the 2000–01 season, averaging 8.2 points per game and proving he belonged at the top level.
San Antonio Spurs (2001–2003)
Despite early injuries, Jackson became a key playoff contributor. He averaged 12.8 points per game during the 2003 postseason, helping the Spurs win an NBA championship.
Atlanta Hawks
Jackson posted career-best numbers, including 18.1 points per game, and once scored 42 points in a single contest.
Indiana Pacers
Statistically productive but marred by controversy, Jackson remained a leading scorer and playoff performer for Indiana.
Golden State Warriors
Jackson reached his prime, averaging over 20 points per game and becoming the emotional leader of the “We Believe” Warriors.
Charlotte Bobcats
He set franchise records, led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance, and recorded the first triple-double in Bobcats history.
Big3 Basketball Career
After retiring from the NBA, Jackson joined the Big3 league in 2017. In 2021, he became head coach of Trilogy, leading the team to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022, further solidifying his post-NBA success.
Media Career And Podcast Success
In 2019, Jackson co-launched the hit podcast “All The Smoke” with Matt Barnes. Known for raw, unfiltered conversations, the show quickly became one of the most influential sports podcasts, opening a lucrative second chapter in Jackson’s career.
Activism And Public Voice
Following the death of his close friend George Floyd, Jackson became a prominent voice in social justice advocacy, speaking out against systemic racism and police brutality. His activism elevated his profile beyond basketball and media.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Jackson is a father to multiple children and converted to Islam in 2021. In 2012, he purchased a $2.5 million mansion in San Antonio, later selling it for just under $2 million in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Stephen Jackson Doing Now?
He is a media personality, podcast host of All The Smoke, Big3 championship coach, and social justice advocate.
Why Is Stephen Jackson Famous Beyond Basketball?
Beyond his NBA career, Jackson is known for his outspoken activism, media presence, and leadership in social justice conversations.