But that doesn't mean he's totally ditching the rookie lifestyle.

Jackson was the Cavaliers' second-round pick last year and came to the Vegas Summer League without an assured spot on the team and then training camp without the promise of playing time.

Despite missing six weeks early last season with a broken wrist, Jackson earned a role and played in 51 games at backup power forward.

He willingly engaged in the time-honored tradition of successful second-round picks who make it by becoming a workhorse in training camp and never letting up. It included the week when he asked to be sent to the NBA Development League just to get extra playing time and ended up playing games three consecutive nights.

Jackson may be happy to let the hazing go this season, but he is attempting not to lose the edge that made him stand out to Cavs coach Mike Brown. That is why he's back in Vegas to play for the summer league team, where he is showing he's more comfortable and confident, and averaging 10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds.

"You still have to prove yourself every single day," said Jackson, who is under contract for two more seasons, though they are not guaranteed. "That's why I've been coming to work every day. It doesn't matter that I have a year in, I have to come to training camp with the same desire to learn."

When the Cavs season ended, Jackson was working out the next day at the Cleveland Clinic Courts. When he went home to Oklahoma City for time with family, Cavs assistant strength coach Ken Sneed came to town and put him through daily workouts so he wouldn't lag in his training.

Jackson knows that even with the team trading for center Shaquille O'Neal and re-signing forward Anderson Varejao, there is room for playing time. The front office believes Jackson or J.J. Hickson, who is not playing in Vegas as he continues to rehab from a back injury, could fill a spot in the rotation.

"I'm in a great situation and I have a lot of confidence in myself," Jackson said. "I'm still trying to ask questions because there's still a lot to learn."

During summer league, Jackson is working on developing his post game, with limited success. He has shot just 34 percent in the first three games. Undersized for his position, Jackson can help offensively with a 15- to 18-foot jumper that he showed progress with last season.

Brown also wants him to focus more on rebounding, in addition to the scrappy and energetic defensive play that earned him playing time last year.

"I'm just trying to knock down my mistakes, hopefully the coaches give me a chance," Jackson said. "I get mad at myself because I know I can do more. I just have to go out there, just show the coaches that you are willing to work."

Kuester's plan: Former Cavs assistant and new Pistons head coach John Kuester said he'll be taking some of the Cavs philosophy with him to Detroit. In Vegas to work with the Pistons summer league team, Kuester said his relationship with Pistons General Manager Joe Dumars was a major reason he was able to get the job, and he hopes to work with his new boss the way Brown and Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry work together.

"This is a joint effort, and seeing how Mike and Danny work together was pretty neat during my two years in Cleveland," Kuester said. "Having a relationship with Joe is a huge plus."

Kuester received a three-year, $6 million contract and the promise from Dumars that he'll be given plenty of time and patience while the team goes through a transition process as it turns over the roster.

"I'm very appreciative of what the Cavs family did for me. We had great players and were committed to what was best for the team," Kuester said. "You have the confidence, and what has to happen is for someone to believe in what you are about. I was fortunate that Joe knew me and had seen me work."

Szczerbiak turns down Spain: A Spanish Web site reported that Cavs free-agent wing Wally Szczerbiak has turned down a contract offer from Real Madrid of the Euroleague.

Szczerbiak, who averaged 7.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and shot 45 percent in 74 games for the Cavs last year, spent several years in Spain as a child and speaks Spanish.

His father played professionally in Spain and currently works as a scout for Spanish teams in the U.S.

The Cavs have been in contact with Szczerbiak during the free-agent period but have not offered him a contract.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bwindhorst@plaind.com, 216-999-5166