Reserve guard Jarrett Jack has been a key piece of the Golden State Warriors this season on their return to relevancy and the NBA playoffs. But it appears as if Golden State will have to compete to retain Jack, as he will be an unrestricted free agent at the season’s end.
According to a report from Inside Bay Area’s Marcus Thompson, team sources have said that Jack chose to play out the season and not engage in contract negotiations in January. The Warriors acquired Jack from the New Orleans Hornets as part of a three-team trade, and his impact on the team has been immeasurable.
Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists per game for Golden State in 79 games during the regular season, often finding himself on the court with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson during the fourth quarter as part of a three-guard lineup that was difficult to contain. Jack’s ability to create his own shot as well as set up his teammates was a needed addition to the team, and he shot the ball well from all over the court, especially from long range where Jack connected on 40% of his attempts.
In the playoffs, Jack has been even more valuable. Head coach Mark Jackson inserted Jack into the starting lineup when David Lee early in the first round and Jack responded by averaging 18.8 points and seven assists in the first round, helping the Warriors eliminate the Denver Nuggets in six games to advance to the second round for the first time since 2009.
Jack will be highly sought after this summer and could be in line to receive a raise on his $5.4 million contract that he was under with the Warriors. Golden State should make every effort to keep the heady point guard, as replacing him will be a difficult task given his importance to their success this season.
