The Detroit Pistons acquired Reggie Jackson from the Oklahoma City Thunder in February of 2014. As Jackson’s early character issues caused some to question Stan Van Gundy’s move, Jackson has proven he is of value to Detroit.
The tale of the Detroit Pistons‘ acquisition of Reggie Jackson is no secret nor was it a “simple” transaction.
The Pistons traded for Jackson in February of 2014 in exchange of Kyle Singler and D.J. Augustin to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After the move, Jackson took to Twitter claiming he was in tears, proud to be a Piston. Former Thunder team mates also expressed their feelings, indicating “good riddance.”
Just woke up from my nap a #Piston #DETROITBASKETBALL!!!
— Reggie Jackson (@Reggie_Jackson) February 19, 2015
Crying tears of joy #godisgreat
— Reggie Jackson (@Reggie_Jackson) February 19, 2015
Additionally, the same angered teammates claimed Jackson to be a bad apple, a hassle in the locker room. And when Reggie Jackson first arrived in Detroit, that was the Pistons’ original fear.
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Would Jackson be the next Rodney Stuckey in the team’s locker room? If Jackson couldn’t lead Detroit, as he desired, would he prove to be the spoiled apple as previously claimed?
Fortunately for Detroit, Reggie Jackson’s been nothing but a hidden gem.
Playing his first full season with the Pistons last year, Jackson averaged 18.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. As the numbers were impressive yet modest, Jackson’s most impressive statistic was his “clutch-ness.”
In multiple games, Jackson came up huge for Detroit. Against the Portland Trail Blazers in early November, the Pistons trailed by 17 in the fourth quarter. Jackson put up 40, including 26 in the fourth quarter to bring them roaring back to blow the Blazers out.
In an additional contest at home against the New York Knicks, Jackson made a pair of clutch three-pointers to seal yet another Piston win.
Additionally, the Jackson and Andre Drummond pick and roll game proved to be one of the best offensive combinations in the league.
During the playoffs, ESPN analysts concluded in order for the Cleveland Cavaliers to cruise through the first round, effectively defending Detroit’s pick and roll game would be critical. And even with the heads up, Jackson and Drummond’s pick and roll scheme challenged the soon-to-be champions.
As the season played out, Jackson did prove to be emotional. When visiting Oklahoma City, Jackson cursed out a fan. Seconds before defeating Oklahoma City at home, Jackson pranced around the court causing post-game conflict with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Maybe Jackson only reveals his emotions when competing against his former team, though such emotions inevitably caused some fans to rehash former worries with his character.
Though, Jackson’s emotions are of no worry as the Boston College point possesses great passion for the city of Detroit and his social media is around to prove it.
Follow the point guard on Instagram and one will soon realize Jackson wears nothing except Detroit gear. Follow Jackson on Twitter and one will see numerous tweets and conversations discussing the Pistons with his Detroit team mates.
With Jackson at the helm, the Pistons are under solid leadership. Not only do they have a point guard who loves his team, but a point guard who is 26 years old and continues to improve.
Most Piston fans’ eyes are focused on the potential of youngsters Stanley Johnson, Andre Drummond, and Tobias Harris.
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However, Jackson is an additional counterpart with an effective pick and roll game and the mentality to be the next Mr. Big Shot: a clutch leader who will lead Detroit to multiple playoff appearances.