AT&T Center – “We’re getting ready for the playoffs and putting our team together, and what we want to do and who we want to do it with, and we thought that making this decision with Jack was best for the group.”
That was San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich in his press conference addressing the release of forward Stephen Jackson prior to the Spurs (57-21) hosting the Sacramento Kings (28-50).
“(It was) a tough decision,” continued Popovich, “because on a personal basis I knew him a long time and I enjoyed him very much. (But) You’ve got make decisions that are tough sometimes and we thought this was best for our group.”
Asked if Jackson had violated any team policies, Popovich said no. “There’s no conspiracy theory or anything like that. He was classy. I’m pretty sure he didn’t like the decision but basically, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
A Yahoo! Sports report surfaced prior to the interview that stated Jackson was unhappy with his playing time this season. When Popovich was told of this report, he had one response on the matter: “You’ll have to ask Jack.”
“It’s basketball business and family business,” continued Popovich on Jackson, “I don’t know the details.”
As for his current team who are about to face the Kings, the Spurs will be relieved to know Tony Parker will start against the Kings. However with Jackson gone and Boris Diaw on the injured list for 3-4 weeks, Popovich had one thing to say about his bench.
“We look a little thin.”
Though a little thin, Popovich said the team chemistry was a consideration before making the decision to cut Jackson, but overall he ended with this: “I think the team will be fine.”
