The Indiana Pacers still plan to unveil their new-and-improved transition game today at Fan Jam, but it remains to be seen how well it will be received after Stephen Jackson and three teammates were involved in a gun-related incident early Friday morning at a Westside strip club.
Most of the team spent Friday evening at Jackson's house, where he is recovering from injuries related to the incident.
"He seems to be pretty upbeat," Jermaine O'Neal said after Saturday's practice. "It's a blessing that he's alive and able to walk and stuff. Being there for him mentally is the biggest thing for him right now. We love him, we care about him and want him to make a full recovery from his bumps and bruises and get back on the court. That's what it is for us."
Jackson suffered bruises and received stitches in his lip after, police said, he was punched in the face and struck by a car. Afterward, he fired five shots with a handgun, police said. No arrests have been made, and police said Jackson acted in self-defense.
"We've been through some tough things before," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Saturday. "You get through it by sticking together and we've had great fan support. Our fans have been great and I don't see any reason why have they won't continue to be great."
Fans likely won't see Jackson today. He isn't expected at Fan Jam. Three teammates who were at the strip club with Jackson -- starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie "Snap" Hunter -- will play today.






