Dear Detroit Pistons, Don’t Give up on Reggie Jackson Yet

After a season riddled with injuries and poor performances, I’m pleading that the Detroit Pistons don’t give up on Reggie Jackson just yet.

When the Detroit Pistons traded for Reggie Jackson at the trade deadline in 2015, they expected him to be the point guard of the future. In his first full season, he lived up to those expectations, putting together the best year of his career. However, last season he stumbled. And that one down year has left questions about Jackson’s future with Detroit.

A few weeks ago, a trade rumor sprouted up talking about a potential move sending Jackson to New Orleans. They said the offer was Jackson for E’Twaun Moore and Alexis Ajinca. If that trade rumor shows the value Jackson on the market, then I don’t think the Pistons should even consider giving him up.

I have two main reasons why I believe the Pistons should hold onto Jackson for a least a little longer. The first is that Jackson may not have been at full strength last season due to his lingering injury. He missed the start of last year due to complications with knee tendinitis. And I think missing that much time, especially right at the beginning of the year, left him a step behind.

His point per game may have dropped last season, from 18.8 to 14.5, but he also played fewer minutes and shot less. I think that knee could have played a big part of that as well, as Jackson is stellar when he can explode to the basket. A healthier knee should lead to a much stronger offensive game from Jackson.

The other reason I don’t think that the Pistons should ditch Jackson right now is due to his value. If Detroit really is looking to move in a new direction, they should wait and sell high.

Jackson’s contract was a tough move before the salary cap spike. Today, his salary is pretty decent for a starting guard. If his numbers are near his 2015-2016 stats, the market should quickly open up for him. And if the Pistons are outside of the playoffs around the deadline I could easily see them make a move.

This year is going to be a big one for Reggie Jackson. If he plays well he could win back the fans and continue to be part of this regime. But that same strong play could lead to him seeing himself shipped off midway through the season.

Next: 10 Best Rivalries in Detroit Sports History

So what do you think happens to Reggie? Better yet, what do you want to happen to Reggie?