“Top Guard” is reportedly making his return to the 916.
Former Kings guard and G League head coach veteran star is set to rejoin the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach, joining Doug Christie on the staff. The news was first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, via his agent Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, and later confirmed by The Sacramento Bee’s him, citing a league source.
Veteran star, 52, is returning to the Sacramento Kings after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. Before his time in Philly, Jackson served as the head coach of the Stockton Kings — Sacramento’s G League affiliate — during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons. He led the team to a 40-25 record over those two years, including a first-place finish in his second campaign.
Jackson enjoyed a 12-year NBA playing career, including six seasons with the Kings. He spent four-and-a-half of those seasons playing alongside Doug Christie, the former Kings shooting guard who was officially named Sacramento’s head coach in April after serving as interim head coach to finish the 2024–25 season.
Jackson had his best season in 2002–03, his third year with the Kings, averaging 15.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point range. He also added 3.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 28.4 minutes per game off the bench, earning him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
After five consecutive years in Sacramento, Jackson was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and later played for several teams before returning to the Kings in 2008, where he finished his career and retired as a member of the franchise.
“Action Jackson” quickly became a fan favorite during his playing days in Sacramento, and he’s remained closely connected to the organization since retiring. He first returned to the franchise in 2011 as an assistant coach under then-head coach Paul Westphal, a role he held until 2013.
Jackson now joins Doug Christie’s coaching staff, which is taking shape under the Kings’ new leadership. He’ll be working alongside former Indiana men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson, who was officially named the team’s associate head coach on May 12. Christie and newly appointed general manager Scott Perry made significant changes to the staff ahead of Woodson’s hiring, including the dismissal of top assistant Jay Triano and several others. The moves signal a fresh start for the franchise as it aims for a breakthrough season in 2025–26.