Stephen Jackson waived by the Spurs

Stephen Jackson, the volatile yet sometimes highly productive swingman, has been waived by the San Antonio Spurs, who apparently would rather go to the playoffs without him than listen to him complain about his minutes and role with the team.

San Antonio published a news release on their website Friday that the 13-year veteran had been put on waivers after appearing in 55 games this season, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 19.5 minutes per game.

“We’re getting ready for the playoffs and putting our team together,” Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich said. “What we want to do and who we want to do it with and we thought making this decision with Jack was best for the group.

“Was a tough decision, because on a personal basis, I’ve known him a long time and I enjoy him very much. But you have to make decisions that are tough some times, and we thought this was best for our group.”

Jackson, 35, could be acquired by another team for the last week of the regular season, but he would not be eligible for the playoffs. NBA rules stipulate waived players have to be on a roster by March 1 to be eligible for the postseason

The deep and talented Spurs, who are still in the running for the top seeding in the Western Conference, reportedly cut ties with Jackson because the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter’s complaints had a negative impact on the team’s younger players.

Jackson has career averages of 15.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 32.1 minutes a game, although the last couple of seasons he’s primarily played in a reserve role.

He is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent this off-season.

Wire service and Internet reports contributed to this story.

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