What is the future of the Detroit Pistons point guard position?

Trade Reggie Jackson

On one hand, it is reasonable to assume that Ed Stefanski will aggressively pursue a trade involving Jackson between now and the end of the upcoming season, given his expiring deal and free agency. His expiring contract is a valuable asset that could be leveraged in a trade with a team looking to clear cap space, and Detroit will surely be able to find a suitor.

However, it is unlikely that any deal for Jackson would yield a starting-caliber point guard in return unless a handful of assets were included, meaning that trading Jackson alone would not solve Detroit’s point guard dilemma.

Perhaps, for the right price, Detroit’s front office will look to move Jackson anyways, even if they don’t receive his replacement in return. The Pistons have shored up their point guard depth, adding veteran Derrick Rose and Tim Frazier. Additionally, Bruce Brown’s emergence in the Summer League has given the franchise hope that he is also capable of sharing time at the point guard position – giving Detroit multiple options in Jackson’s absence.

However, this would only be worthwhile if Rose can remain healthy and continue the high level of play he flashed last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former MVP showed flashes of his old self, averaging 18 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and a surprising 37 percent from 3-point range.

Detroit would welcome this kind of production from their starting point guard, but it is unlikely that Rose could replicate these numbers in that role. As a backup, Rose was able to serve as an effective change-of-pace guard who could carry the scoring load against favorable matchups, but would inevitably lose these touches and easier matchups as a starter. Barring a seriously impressive season from Derrick Rose, he’s not going to cut it as a starting point guard on a playoff team.