The Reggie Jackson Experience

Written by Taylor Odenat

Similar to Eric Bledsoe in his previous stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Reggie Jackson went from energetic spark plug backing up a star point guard, to being a starter himself.  Reggie Jackson drafted with the 24th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft was an under the radar draft pick as a sophomore playing for a solid but unspectacular Boston College team. He wasn’t projected to be an NBA starter, however, he did possess the slashing ability, explosive athleticism, and dynamic first step to make an impact in the the NBA.

 In his first season with the Thunder Jackson averaged a lackluster 3.1 ppg  and 1.6 apg on 32% shooting from the field. These were definitely not numbers that compared to the point guards in his class such as Kemba Walker (12.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) and Kyrie Irving (18.5 ppg, 5.4 apg), but Jackson was just getting started. In his next three and a half seasons leading up to the 2014-2015 trading deadline Reggie Jackson gradually increased his scoring numbers, assist averages, and field goal percentage. He was a consistently improving player for the Oklahoma City Thunder and was filled with loads of potential. However, he wanted a shot at showing all that potential but didn’t feel like he had that opportunity with the Thunder. When playing behind the extremely athletic Russell Westbrook, it definitely is a difficult task to attempt at making your way to becoming a starter even when you're playing at such a high level.

With Brandon Jennings out for the season, The Detroit Pistons looked elsewhere to make up for the perennial All Star talent they had lost for the season to injury. Cue Reggie Jackson, explosive, slashing backup guard who felt he was being used as a scapegoat for the losses OKC were taking. He wanted to show he could run a team and has had the opportunity that Eric Bledsoe had when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 12 games with the Detroit Pistons, Reggie Jackson has started every game and averaged 15.0 ppg, 7.8 apg and 4.1 rpg in 31.1 minutes of action per game. His shooting still needs to improve as he only shooting 29% from three, but his slashing, athleticism and playmaking ability are all still existent in Detroit. Reggie Jackson is showing the world what he is capable of and in recent games has been showing it in bunches. On March 17, 2015 Reggie Jackson put on a clinic with a 23 point, career-high 20 assist game leading the Pistons to an upset victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.He became the only player to attain a 20-point 20-assist stat line since Steve Nash finished a game against Suns on November 9, 2009 with 21 points and 20 assists.So its safe to say that although Jackson was utilized as sixth man in Oklahoma City, he has the ability to be much more than that in his young NBA career.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Reggie-Jackson-6325/