Bobby Jackson hopes to spark a Kings return to glory.
The point guard said he looks forward to the approaching season, training camp and all. But he's not making promises and said it won't be easy.
"I'm not Superman," Jackson said during Thursday's news conference inside the Kings' locker room at Arco Arena as the organization welcomed him back.
"None of these guys are Superman. We all have to buy into coach (Reggie) Theus' system. We have to play hard."
But, for most, just having Jackson in the locker room is big. Theus and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said they look forward to the leadership Jackson will bring the young team.
A leadership role was the first thing Theus talked to Jackson about after he arrived in Sacramento as part of the trade that sent Ron Artest to Houston for the veteran point guard, Syracuse rookie Donté Greene and a 2009 first-round draft pick. Petrie added Thursday he hoped Jackson's presence would add some much-needed stability.
"A few more years and a little more mileage but still the same Bobby," Petrie said.
The affable Jackson, 35, is quick to point out he never really left. He kept his home in Sacramento, despite journeying to Memphis, New Orleans and Houston before returning.
Last season, he averaged 8.8 points, 2.4 assists and 19.2 minutes in 26 games with the Rockets, who acquired Jackson in a February trade with the Hornets.
He said it feels good to be back in purple.
"I wouldn't want to go anywhere else," said Jackson, who has been traveling frequently to Washington, D.C., to be with his ailing father, who has lung cancer.
Jackson, who's entering his 12th season, has been candid about his intentions. He sees himself playing one to three more years before committing himself to coaching.
"No more than three years," said Jackson, who will be at the California State Fair tonight to meet fans and sign autographs from 6 to 7 p.m. "I'm not trying to get into (coaching) right now. My main focus right now is (playing)."
And even that will be a major adjustment, Jackson said.
Only two players – Brad Miller and Kevin Martin – remain from his first go-around with the Kings from 2000 to 2005.
"We have a lot of different guys here," Jackson said. "We have a group of guys who can play the game. Probably not the All-Star-quality type that Vlade (Divac) and Mike (Bibby) were, but they are all players that can get the job done."
Jackson, who is expecting his fifth child with wife Dona, said he always envisioned returning to Sacramento to finish his career.
"I'm happy to be back," Jackson said. "Trust me, we'll work very hard out there."
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
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