Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson signed a 5 year, $80 million contract in July. It garnered a lot of attention, and rightfully so, as $80 million is an eye popping number in just about any context.
Then you consider the fact that Jackson had been a backup since his career started in 2011, and had played just 27 games as the starting point guard of the Detroit Pistons. All of the sudden $80 million looks even more stunning.
The Pistons have bet their future on Reggie Jackson, no doubt. Through four preseason games (Jackson sat out the first game), it looks like a pretty good bet.
Jackson struggled in his first game against Brooklyn, scoring just seven points on 3-10 shooting with three rebounds, six assists and six turnovers. Perhaps his struggles can be attributed to a sore achilles, or just off season rust. Who knows.
He bounced back two nights later in Milwaukee, where he scored 17 points on 4-10 shooting (3-4 from three point range) with six rebounds, eight assists and just two turnovers in route to a blowout of the Bucks.
Jackson played well again in Indiana, scoring 17 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out seven assists with five turnovers.
The Pistons most recent game was Jackson’s third good performance in a row. Jackson scored 20 points with three rebounds, two assists and three turnovers in another blowout win, this time against the Bulls.
Through four games, Jackson is averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4 turnovers per game. He’s shooting 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range, and 100 percent from the free throw line (13-13).
At first glance, those numbers probably don’t strike you as worthy of $80 million. However, Jackson has played just 27.7 minutes per game, which is 4.5 minutes fewer than the 32.2 minutes per game he played for the Pistons last season. Take out the Brooklyn game, and Jackson is posting 18 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists to 3.3 turnovers in 27.3 minutes per game.
Numbers aside, Jackson has passed the eye test so far this preseason. He has looked confident with the ball, shown the ability to make plays for himself and others, and has shot the ball well. It has been reported that Jackson has been working hard on his shot, and so far his shooting numbers reflect that.
Of course, preseason is preseason. But I’d much rather downplay an impressive preseason performance instead of a disappointing one.
We’ll see how Jackson finishes up the preseason in the Pistons’ final three games, but for now Pistons fans have to be pleased with what they’ve seen from their $80 million point guard.