The Detroit Pistons have reached an agreement with their starting point guard Reggie Jackson. The deal will be worth $80 million for over five years, multiple sources have confirmed.
After spending three and a half seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jackson was traded to the Pistons as part of a three-way deal involving the Utah Jazz with D.J. Augustin, Kyle Singler, Steve Novak, and Enes Kanter going to Oklahoma City.
Jackson was apparently exasperated with the lack of minutes in OKC, having to play behind superstar point guard Russell Westbrook. His frustrations forced the Thunder to part ways with the up-and-coming guard, and Jackson landed in a situation where he was able to earn an immediate starting role.
However, Jackson’s role may be redefined this upcoming season, considering that Brandon Jennings is expected to recover after rupturing his Achilles tendon. The question is how will the two point guards mesh in Stan Van Gundy’s system?
With the return of Jennings, Jackson may have to either take a backseat to him and lose minutes, or play at the two guard spot which isn’t an ideal position for the 25-year old. Perhaps the Pistons are thinking of moving Jennings?
Playing 27 games in a Pistons uniform, Jackson averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. His numbers are certainly proof that the four-year guard out of Boston College is worthy of a starting role. Though, Jackson may need to increase his offensive efficiency, as he shot just 43.6 percent from the floor and committed 3.5 turnovers per game.
Jackson’s ability to attack the rim, shoot off the dribble, get to the line, and play make is not in question. But if the Pistons want to be successful with him running the offense, they need him to take better shots and make them at a higher rate.
The Pistons went 10-17 once they acquired Jackson and missed the playoffs. The team lost Greg Monroe to the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, so now Jackson becomes the cornerstone of the franchise along with Andre Drummond.