Oklahoma City Thunder's Reggie Jackson: 'I’ve always wanted to be a starter'

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson has been a backup throughout his career thus far. However, the Thunder, looking for offensive help, inserted him into the starting lineup during the postseason.

More from NBA

Now, Jackson is hoping that’s where he remains.

“I want to be a starter,” Jackson said via Susan Bible of Basketball Insiders. “I’ve always wanted to be a starter. I’ve always wanted to be great. All the greats I’ve seen started, so that’s kind of the mold.”

Although many feel Jackson would make a great sixth man, providing instant energy and scoring off of the bench, he isn’t excited about that role.

“I want a chance to be great,” Jackson said. “If it doesn’t work, oh well, at least I tried. That’s just how I feel. The best ones I remember have always been starters. I can’t recall a super sixth man. I never thought it growing up, I never felt like that.

“They make great contributions, and it takes everybody to be on a team,” he added quickly. “I’m not doubting that.”

With Thabo Sefolosha now with the Atlanta Hawks and Jeremy Lamb developing slowly, Jackson could find himself next to Westbrook in the starting five.

Jackson averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 44.0% from the field, 33.9% from three and 89.3% from the free throw line during the regular season. He put up 11.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6% from the floor, 39.6% from beyond the arc and 88.6% from the charity stripe in the postseason. He’s averaged 8.0 points, 2.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 43.1% from the field, 29.2% from three and 87.7% from the free throw line in his three-year career.

Jackson was selected by the Thunder with the 24th-overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

More on FanSided.com

Avery Bradley not an option at point guard
New Orleans Pelicans rumors: Pelicans want real assets for Austin Rivers
Carmelo Anthony asked Derek Jeter for advice
Kobe Bryant trolls Nick Young over Iggy Azalea
Orlando Magic rumors: Magic likely to hold on to Maurice Harkless

Home/NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Reggie Jackson: ‘I’ve always wanted to be a starter’

By Andrew Melnick | Oct 1, 2014

More on FanSided.com