"I grew-up pretending I was like Terry Porter in the drive-way," Jackson, who is vying for the Portland Trail Blazers remaining roster spot, told HOOPSWORLD.

"I feel lucky to be playing here. It's a lot easier opening the season here versus fifteen hundred miles away in Toronto or Cleveland or Miami."

It's probably also easier for Jackson now that he is finally healthy, despite being an NBA journeyman.

Ever since coming into the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers – where Jackson was the 10th overall pick in 2004 - the 6-7 swingman has been hurt and homeless. After back issues ended a disappointing stay with the Cavs, Jackson has gone from the Boston Celtics, to the Idaho Stampede of the NBDL, the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors and to the Miami HEAT all in four years.

All that got Jackson was a lot of frequent flier miles and a host of critics.

Now back in Oregon and trying to make the Blazers out of camp, Jackson is finding inspiration in the unlikeliest of places: a fellow journeyman.

"I've been watching a lot of film on Ime Udoka," Jackson said of the former Blazer and current San Antonio Spurs small forward who has played with roughly 14 different teams from the NBA, minors and overseas.

"He just kind of defines solid play. I really look up to him knowing he's played for so many different teams and overcame the struggles. I can relate to that. Giving a solid game, I feel like I can do exactly what he does. That's what I'm setting out to do."

Udoka was a feel-good story in Portland back before the 2006-07 season. He was the last player invited to training camp and made the team on sheer determination and impressive defense. Udoka went on to start 75 games for the Blazers that season, truly a testament to his work ethic.

Jackson hopes to do the same.

"I thought my time would come before his (Udoka) did. But I look at a guy like that, and if he can do it, I can do it. I'm confident in my ability."

While there is certainly a role for Jackson in Portland, there aren't any guarantees that he'll stick. By the Blazers losing sharpshooter James Jones to free agency, Jackson would help fill-it-up from beyond the arc even in limited minutes. Yet head coach Nate McMillan maintaines other circumstances will dictate who gets the final roster spot.

Jackson is competing with point guard Jamaal Tatum, power forward Shavlik Randolph and center Steven Hill for a job.

"Really, it's going to depend on what we need for this season, as far as a body in practice and how healthy we come out of training camp. If we are losing a few guys at a spot, then we're going to have to keep one of those guys accordingly," McMillan admitted.

There is also a chance Portland would leave the roster spot open, opting instead to see who is put on waivers once training camps have concluded around the league. For now though, the only thing Jackson can do is play his game, just like he did back when he was impersonating Terry Porter as a kid in his Creswell drive-way.

"I try to just be a solid player and stay within myself," said Jackson.

"I try to not get too excited, but if someone told me I actually made the team I'd probably give them like a huge hug and lift them off the ground."