The most surprising player from each NBA team this season

Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson

The Detroit Pistons and Reggie Jackson were supposed to work out well together. The Pistons, led by President and coach Stan Van Gundy, took a risk on a talented young player in Jackson when they acquired him from Oklahoma City in early 2015. The move paid dividends immediately, as Jackson established himself as a starter and averaged 17.6 points per game as well as 9.2 assists for Detroit after being acquired.

Reggie Jackson seemed to be fulfilling the potential he had flashed as a reserve with the Thunder. Van Gundy extended him to a five-year, $80 million dollar contract before last season and Jackson responded with a career year. He averaged a career high 18.8 points per game and also established a new high for 3-point shooting, a perceived weakness. Jackson and Andre Drummond teamed up to form one of the deadliest pick-and-roll combinations in the league and the Pistons were able to make the playoffs.

Prior to this season, Jackson received plasma injections to treat knee tendinitis and sprained his thumb. As a result, he didn’t begin playing until early December. The Pistons were struggling at the time and the hope was that Jackson’s return would help. It hasn’t thus far, and he hasn’t been the same player. Save for an improved percentage on 3-pointers, all of his major stats are down and the Pistons are 22-27. Though injuries may be hampering his play, Jackson has been playing poorly enough to lose minutes to Ish Smith. Trade rumors have emerged and his long term future in Detroit is now in question.