Jerry Stackhouse likely to end career with Brooklyn Nets, retiring to take on bigger union role

Jerry Stackhouse tells Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports that it’s "highly unlikely’’ he will play next season. He then anticipates having a bigger role with the troubled NBA Players Association. Stackhouse was elected first vice-president the players union in February, putting him in position to succeed Derek Fisher. Stack has been highly critical of the manner in which the union has been run. The U.S. Labor Department is looking into self-dealing by the family of former executive director Billy Hunter.

"It’s not completely sold that I don’t get the bug (to play) again,'' the 18-year veteran told Tomasson before Friday's game at Denver, where Tomasson was long a reporter for the now-defunct Rocky Mountain News. "But, really, I think this is an opportune time to kind of step to the forefront to do something with the union and try to make sure we select the right executive director.’’

Stackhouse has not given up on a coaching career, possibly following the same path Mark Jackson took, from player to announcer to head coach.

"I’m always going to be part of the game in some capacity,’’ he said. "I’m a basketball lifer. I got a Ph.D in it.’’ Stackhouse is averaging 4.7 points per game in a limited role that saw him sit for two months before getting minutes at the end of this month.

• Jerry Stackhouse likely to retire for union role - Chris Tomasson - FOX Sports