Detroit Pistons: Why Josh Jackson is playing more than Saddiq Bey

Josh Jackson has shot the ball poorly but still keeps getting big minutes for the Detroit Pistons.

Jackson has been a pleasant surprise this season, though he has been in a lengthy shooting slump since returning from injury.

Jackson is shooting just 39.9 percent overall and a miserable 27.4 percent from 3-point range, yet has logged the most bench minutes of any Pistons’ player.

Rookie Saddiq Bey is shooting 37.7 percent from 3-point range but doesn’t play as much as Jackson, including a DNP against the Lakers last night.

So what gives? Why is Jackson playing more minutes than Bey even though he can’t hit a shot?

Here is why.

Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson is more of a playmaker

One reason that Josh Jackson plays more than Saddiq Bey is that he can make plays. Jackson is an underrated passer and has been very good at setting up teammates, especially on the interior.

Jackson has averaged two assists per game over the last five and has had some nice looks that ended in dunks for Mason Plumlee and Jerami Grant.

Bey is averaging just 0.6 assists per game and is more of a spot-up shooter who doesn’t add as much to the offense.

Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson has played good defense

Saddiq Bey has flashed defensive ability and looks like he’ll be an ideal 3-and-D wing but Jackson has been better, especially lately.

Jackson has shown the ability to be a force blocking shots, especially from the weak side. He has the size to be a plus-shot blocker, which he has shown this season. Over the last five games, Jackson is blocking two shots per game on average and is averaging a steal per game for the season.

Jackson has been one of the Pistons’ best defenders this season and his size is a weapon defensively, as he can cover a lot of ground and defend multiple positions.

Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson is a Swiss Army Knife

The final reason Jackson is playing over Saddiq Bey is that he is a do-it-all player who can fit into nearly any lineup.

Since Jackson can defend three spots on the floor, he is easy to slide into any lineup. His playmaking and blocked shots fit with any group, as he doesn’t need a ballhandler to get him an open look, he can do it himself.

I think Saddiq Bey will eventually be a very good player for the Detroit Pistons, but right now, he lacks the playmaking, shot-blocking and versatility of Josh Jackson.

The Detroit Pistons appear to have found two keepers in Jackson and Bey and when they start playing together the Pistons could have a very dynamic twosome that can defend and score from the wing.