1. Jackson adds depth at point guard
There is no doubt that Derrick Rose has captured Pistons fans’ hearts as he has the rest of the league. But Jackson has been the man alongside Drummond during the two playoff runs, both with Jackson healthy.
Healthy he is. His quickness with the ball, crafty ball-handling and ability to weave in and out of the pick-and-roll game is something the Pistons will benefit from. It was fitting that his first basket since Oct. 24 was a floater in the lane.
Rose carried the load at point guard with Brown learning on the fly while Jackson was out. Brown can return to his more natural role but gives the Pistons the ability to have two point guards on the floor at any time between Jackson, Rose and Brown. It’s something coach Dwane Casey liked to use in his time in Toronto.
Frazier’s playing time has been sporadic this season, averaging 13.5 minutes per game but playing a season-high 28 minutes as recent as Dec. 22. Wednesday night was his first game inactive since Nov. 8. In the time between, Frazier played 20-of-34 games and averaged 12.9 minutes per game. Jackson will help alleviate some of his playing time but the depth is needed, even if Frazier is struggling this season with a shooting split of .366/.333/.792.
Detroit now has Rose, Jackson, Brown and Frazier that can factor at point guard, even if Brown’s primary position is on the wing. There’s also service time left for two-way player Jordan Bone. That depth with minutes restrictions for Rose and Jackson still allows for an effective rotation.