Please let this result in Stephen Jackson calling himself ‘Mr. Bates’ on his next mixtape
Well, if this ain't just peanut butter and chocolate coming together for Your Man — who just finished watching Series 2 of "Downton Abbey" with his wife this past weekend, is super down for the honorable and just valet John Bates, and is firmly in the "Free Mr. Bates" camp — then I don't know what is.
From Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman:
While Manu Ginobili got dressed in front of his locker before visiting with a swarm of reporters, a naked Stephen Jackson lockering next to him held a covering towel with one hand and ceremoniously helped the game's star into the sleeves of his jacket with the other.
Like any good valet would.
Ginobili thanked him for his assistance. So should Spurs fans everywhere.
There in a small snapshot, you get first-hand evidence of a transformed, 34-year-old swingman who arguably has been the anti-Spur for much of his tempestuous 12-year career in the NBA.
From bad boy to butler.
Bohls' whole column — on Jackson's return to NBA relevance since coming back to the San Antonio Spurs at the March 15 trade deadline, on the integral role he's expected to play in the Western Conference finals after guarding Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in Game 1, on how Cap'n Jack claims his middle name is "Nasty," and much more — is worth a read, even if you're not desperately in love with Julian Fellowes' Edwardian saga. (Although, if you are not, you need to STEP YA COSTUME DRAMA-WATCHIN' GAME UP.)