Jim

Jackson

Bostjan Nachbar has received the bulk of minutes when Jackson sits. Nachbar is averaging 3.8 points in 14 minutes per game. Ryan Bowen has played only five minutes this season and has one steal. Scott Padgett has tried the position in the past with little success.

Jackson did not practice yesterday but was able to go through shooting drills.

He is now listed as questionable for tonight’s game with back spasms. Bench him in daily leagues.

With Richard Jefferson done for the year, this move makes perfect sense for the Nets. While the Hornets initially said they wouldn’t deal Jackson, they really have to look at it now, since he’s not budging. The Nets are also working on a deal to land Cliff Robinson. If they could pull the trigger on these, a starting lineup of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Jim Jackson, Cliff Robinson and Nenad Krstic doesn’t look to bad, especially in the horrid Atlantic division.

Jackson’s agent, Mark Termini, did not return phone calls Thursday. It’s in doubt whether Jackson ever plays for the Hornets or not.

Jackson should be available after missing Monday’s game against Utah.

Jim Jackson is close to having a starting spot locked up as the small forward, while Kelvin Cato could open the season as the power forward due to Eddie Griffin’s problems. Cuttino Mobley should reprise his backcourt role alongside Francis once he’s over his hip flexor injury.

This doesn’t necessarily hurt Jackson, who may be a little overextended.

That price may be too steep for the Nets, or anyone else for that matter.

Even so, his charge won’t be scoring, but guarding opposing shooting guards. Tracy McGrady will run the point, and most of the offense will go through him and Yao Ming.