INDIANAPOLIS–If Stephen Jackson’s preseason performance on Friday morning was any indication of his upcoming season, the postseason staples Indiana Pacers could be left out of the playoffs in the 2006-07 season. Jackson missed all five shots he took Friday morning, a bad omen for one of the team’s top scorers.

“I’m not quite sure what happened out there,” Jackson said. “ I’m a career 42 percent shooter, I guess it was just a bad night.”

The exhibition match took place outside of Club Rio, a popular place for NBA players to play pick-up games in the off-season.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who doesn’t approve of his players catching any outside games during training camp, was disappointed.

“I know boys will be boys, and Jackson’s passion for basketball sometimes gets the best of him. Playing a pick-up game at three in the morning just isn’t what I preach here in Indiana,” said Carlisle. “But for Christ’s sake, missing all five shots? Ron [Artest] wouldn’t have missed.”

Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley, one of Jackson’s teammates that night, thinks he may know why Jackson was off.

“Their defense was pretty good, and we only put four men out there–me, Stephen, Marquis [Daniels], and Snap (Jimmie Hunter),” explained Tinsley. “Those guys were double teaming Jackson all night.”

“It was like I was shooting at a moving target all night. It just isn’t like me,” said Jackson. “I didn’t even hit the rims.”

Local Club Rio cheerleader Lakwanda “Bubble Boo” Johnson dismissed fatigue as a factor. “Before the game, he came in and saw me. He just wanted to relax, so I was down there for about an hour before I moved on to his teammates, sometimes two or three at a time,” said Johnson. “As far as I’m concerned, motherfucker got what he deserved. My jaw’s all cramped and he only gave me a $40 tip? I know that nigger gets paid.”

Jackson has been known for poor performances in clutch situations. On November 9, 2004, Jackson missed several shots he took against a team made up of Detroit Pistons fans in The Palace at Auburn Hills.

Pacers president Larry Bird voiced his opinion on the matter. “That guy is a dick. I am so screwed.” Bird later said that New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas was possibly interested in picking up the remainder of Jackson’s salary.

Jackson’s opponent

Even though Jackson’s performance Friday morning was disappointing from an offensive standpoint, Tinsley praised Jackson’s defense.

“Did you see that charge he took from that SUV that drove the lane? That was a pivotal point of the match.”

Jackson, who promises that basketball is his number one priority, used the media attention gained from the event to promote the release of his new rap album “Fuck Basketball I Want To Shoot Bitches,” which will be released later this year.