Philadelphia 76ers to cover Pierre Jackson’s surgery costs

When basketball players get drafted in the first round and sign their NBA contract, they have the knowledge that they are financially taken care of considering NBA contracts (in general) are guaranteed. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, though players have to agree to having a contract non-guaranteed.

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Unfortunately, for those not lucky enough to be drafted in the first round, they have to work their way onto an NBA roster, usually by participating in a Summer League game. That’s exactly what Pierre Jackson had to do as the former second round pick decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers Summer League roster this season and had hoped that he would be able to crack the roster when all was said and done.

But just minutes into his opening Summer League game, Pierre Jackson went down with a torn right Achilles injury, all but ending his chance to play basketball this season. Understandably, the Philadelphia 76ers can’t use up a roster spot on Jackson but that doesn’t mean they don’t have compassion as according to Jake Fischer, the Sixers plan to pay for both the surgery and rehab progress of Pierre Jackson.

It’s an extremely welcome and classy gesture considering Jackson doesn’t have a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season and was working off a D-League salary in 2013.

Jackson was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers during a draft day trade which sent Russ Smith to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The hope is that Jackson will be able to return to a basketball court and possibly the NBA once he completes his rehab and recovery next year.