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Detroit Pistons point guard preview: Can Reggie Jackson return to form?

By Zackary Caldwell

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 16: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles around Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Trey Burke #33 of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on December 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 16: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles around Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Trey Burke #33 of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on December 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson had a season from hell last year. Jackson is healthy and ready to set his mark as one of the East’s best.

The 2016-2017 season was a disaster for Reggie Jackson. He started off with an injured knee and missed the first 21 games of the season. By the time Jackson came back, the Detroit Pistons were acclimated to Ish Smith at point guard and Jackson was not 100%. It was all downhill from there. Jackson looked lost on both sides of the court and team never gelled. There were factors outside of Jackson’s control, but he took the brunt of the blame for the lost season.

This season, Jackson is back at full strength and the Pistons surrounded him with better shooting by his side to help spread the court. Stan Van Gundy states Jackson will be ready for the start of the year and this should help the Pistons offense. Point guard is the most important position for the PIstons this year, and here are the most interesting storylines going into the 2016-2017 at point guard.

If Reggie Jackson stays healthy…

The biggest issue the Pistons had last year was the health of Reggie Jackson. The pure numbers did not show much difference from 2015-2016, but there was no explosiveness and chemistry from Reggie Jackson. His assist percentage plummeted and did not match his shooting efficiency from the previous year. Jackson also struggled mightily on defense and was never comfortable in the scheme.

This year, Jackson is refreshed and the offense will still be built around the pick and roll sets with Andre Drummond. He also should get some help with Avery Bradley guarding opposing point guards and Jackson playing more off-ball defense.

The key for Jackson will be regaining the bounce he had to get in the lane. He will never be a great shooter or elite passer. The key is for Jackson to create mismatches from the pick and roll and make the correct play. When he is 100%, he excels in that department and the Pistons offense will be effective.

Will Langston Galloway see any playing time?

The Galloway signing was befuddling to me, especially after the Avery Bradley trade. Galloway is a fine fourth guard and his defensive intensity can be a nice change-up. He also has the capability to knock down perimeter shots shooting a career 36.6% shooter from deep.

The interesting question will be what happens if Jackson or Smith go down. Galloway fits better playing off the ball instead of being a lead guard. Beno Udrih is back for the Pistons but Galloway plays better defense and a bigger contract. I will be curious to see what Stan Van Gundy has in mind.

Hopefully, no injuries will occur at the position and it will be a moot point. The good news in Detroit is that Ish Smith is a fine backup point guard. Smith is an exciting change of pace point guard that loves to dish to his teammates. He was admirable filling in for Reggie Jackson last season, but he fits much better as the #2 option instead of the starter. He will never be much of a scorer, especially shooting from the outside, but he fits well on the bench.

If Reggie Jackson fades, the future is very murky

This is the biggest concern looming over the Detroit Pistons franchise. The 2015-2016 Reggie Jackson is a good point guard worth his $82M contract and can lead the Pistons to the playoffs. Last year, Reggie Jackson was a below average point guard and his lack of chemistry submarined the entire team. Jackson has to be consistent and a playmaker to be effective. He is not good enough as a shooter or a defender to make much of an impact in other ways.

Ish Smith is a fine change of pace backup point guard but is not a starter for a contender. Langston Galloway is not a point guard. Plus, Detroit still has $51 million tied up to Jackson over three years. Trying to trade his contract if he falters will be nearly impossible without giving up major assets.

Jackson still has three years left on his contract. Ish Smith is a fine change of pace backup point guard but is not a starter for a contender. Langston Galloway is not a point guard. Plus, Detroit still has $51 million tied up to Jackson over three years. Trying to trade his contract if he falters will be nearly impossible without giving up major assets.

The Pistons have faith in Jackson and a great sign he is healthy. They did not try to make a trade or draft somebody at his position. But this is a big year for Stan Van Gundy and he will not tolerate Jackson’s inconsistencies again. I believe Jackson can regain his 2015-2016 form and the Pistons believe also. Jackson can be the ringleader of an efficient offense and the acquisitions of Avery Bradley and Luke Kennard will give him more space to operate and attack the paint. Jackson can even have a more efficient year with better shooting on the wings.

Next: Bold predictions for Pistons' 2017-18 season

The biggest concern I have after the knee injury for me is his defense. Jackson is never going to be a good defender but his first year and a half with the Pistons he was adequate. Last year, he was atrocious. If he can get back to that level defensively with better shooting and fewer turnovers, Jackson will lead Detroit back to the playoffs.

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