Detroit Pistons: Five Predictions For The 2015-2016 NBA Season

The Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond Combo Will Define the Pistons

Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center

(0) high fives guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

When Reggie Jackson come over to Detroit in a mid-season trade, there was a transition period for him and the team. Ultimately, that period bounced the team from playoff contention last year.

But one positive looking forward was the chemistry Jackson developed with budding superstar Andre Drummond. The pick-and-roll for both was surprisingly effective. For learning on the fly mid-season, that’s something the Pistons should and will work on.

And it’s no surprise considering their skill-set. Drummond rolling to the basket has the athleticism to finish any alley-oops from Jackson. On the flip side, Jackson can finish strong at the rim and his mid-range game is at least respectable.

But how these two work together will define this team going forward. Based on what we’ve seen in preseason games, teams are already scouting the Jackson-Drummond connection. They’re trying to shut down that play specifically.

And how they respond to that will be important.

This is also where Jackson’s shooting from outside becomes important. While he can hit mid-range shots, that’s the least efficient shot in all of basketball. He has a career 29.4% from 3-point land which leaves much to be desired from the Pistons faithful.

Perhaps the most important aspect of all this though is how these two are seemingly the leaders of the team. They’re both the ones that will be getting the money through contract extensions with the team.

Drummond has also been saying all off-season that he wants to be the leader of this team. Moves like delaying his max contract extension will help the team and is a great move.

But where Drummond should prove all this leadership talk is on the court. If he can improve his defense while working on his offensive game, he’ll take that next step into becoming the next superstar.

The Pistons have two potential stars in Jackson and Drummond. If one or both struggle over the course of the season, it will have a huge impact on their playoff chances.

How they respond to adversity will define how this franchise will do in 2015-2016.

Next: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's Development