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Reggie Jackson says teammates have helped him push through struggles

By Braden Shackelford

Feb 12, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Detroit Pistons won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Detroit Pistons won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Reggie Jackson has been taking the lion’s share of the blame for the Detroit Pistons struggles this season, so much so that the team held a player’s-only meeting that centered around his style of play. It appears, however, that Jackson’s teammates have been lifting him up?

Reggie Jackson has been a polarizing player for the Detroit Pistons this season.

After a break-out and borderline all-star season last year, Jackson has shown significant signs of regression due to a knee injury. The good news is that Jackson has began showing life the last couple games thanks to a rotation change by head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Now that Jackson can see light at the end of the tunnel, he’s open up about what’s been keeping his spirits up. His response might surprise you.

Jackson via Detroit Free Press:

"“At times, you start to feel sorry for yourself, but I had to fight that,” Jackson said. “You just got to just go out here and play.“What helped me, for the most part, was watching the team play well. Throughout my struggles, they kept picking me up and find a way to get wins.“I just thank them. I thank them for how they played often. The team, the organization stuck with me through this process.“I thank them today for just backing me, and riding me to the end. … I know they’ve seen it. It’s been a tough year for me, personally, but it’s gonna be one of my better memories when I look back on basketball.”"

If you’ll recall, it was Jackson’s teammates earlier this season that threw him under the bus, ran over him, and then backed over him, in a player’s-only meeting.

Hard to say if Jackson’s comments are a result of him taking the high road or if the team truly changed and have his back.

Either way, I credit Jackson for his comments. He’s right, it has been a tough season. His coach has publicly criticized him, his teammates have privately done the same, and he’s almost completely fallen out of favor with the fans.

I truly hope the rotation change continues to bring the best out of Jackson and that he comes back spitting fire next season.

Next: The impact of Reggie Jackson's knee injury

For his perseverance in this nightmare season, he deserves it.

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