Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA
By Connor Learn
Reggie Jackson
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Reggie Jackson was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder out of Boston College and came into his own backing up Russell Westbrook. He was the Thunder’s fourth-leading scorer by his third season in 2013-2014, averaging 13.1 points per game in mostly a reserve role. Jackson requested a starting opportunity following that season, and his request was granted when the Pistons acquired him at the deadline. He broke out in his new role and averaged 17.6 points and 9.2 assists the rest of the season in Detroit.
Jackson was rewarded by the Pistons following that performance, when they extended him for five years and $80 million that summer. The move paid dividends for both last season. Jackson turned in the best season of his career, averaging 18.8 points and 6.2 assists and improved from distance as a shooter. He paired with Andre Drummond to form one of the best young pick-and-roll duos in the league as well. The Pistons made the playoffs for the first time in years and the organization anticipated a step forward this season.
That progress was stalled at first by Jackson missing the first 21 games with injury, then by the play of Jackson himself. Though injuries may be playing a factor, he simply hasn’t been the same player this season. His scoring is down to 14.5 points and has lacked the same efficiency that he once had. Jackson’s assist numbers are also the lowest since he has got to Detroit. His play has been poor enough to lose an increasing amount of minutes and even starts to journeyman Ish Smith, who is currently on his tenth team in seven seasons. As a result of this, Detroit is on the outside of the playoff picture and looking in.