Reggie Jackson was not around for the start of last season in Detroit and it set the entire team back. They were counting on the chemistry he and big man Andre Drummond were developing in the pick-and-roll, and even when Jackson came back that was not the same. Ish Smith played fairly well behind him last season and is back, and Langston Galloway provides some depth at the point, but the Pistons need Jackson to make the playoffs.
He missed the final nine games of last season with the knee tendonitis that bothered him all season, and doctors have been slow in clearing Jackson to prepare for this season, but he will be ready for training camp coach/GM Stan Van Gundy told the Detroit Free Press.Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy told the Free Press on Monday morning that after an examination last week, Jackson has increased basketball activity and will arrive at the practice facility later this week to join teammates.
“All good with the doctors and ramping up his basketball work,” Van Gundy wrote in a text.
“He’ll be ready.”In a wide-open bottom half of the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have a real shot to make the playoffs. That, however, has to start with the team being healthy. Specifically Jackson. He has to get back to being the explosive, aggressive guy off the pick-and-roll who could finish at the rim he was a couple seasons ago.