Detroit Pistons: Derrick Rose could overtake Reggie Jackson

The Detroit Pistons may see a situation where newly signed veteran point guard Derrick Rose overtakes Reggie Jackson to become the teams’ starter as the season progresses next year.

It was no secret heading into the offseason that the Detroit Pistons had plenty of roster needs. A backup point guard and wing topping the list. The team decided not to retain fan-favorite Ish Smith. Smtih was a valuable asset off the bench for the Pistons, so I don’t mean it in a bad way, but Rose (if healthy) is an upgrade over Smith for virtually the same type of money. Derrick Rose signed a two-year deal that has an average annual salary of $7.5 million per season. Smith also signed a two year deal with Washington. His AAV is worth $6 million a year.

It was an offseason that saw a few good point guards get paid as though they are great guards. Ricky Rubio signed a three-year deal worth a total of $51 million. Terry Rozier signed a three year deal with Charlotte worth nearly $57 million. Malcolm Brogdon inked a four-year deal worth $85 million.

The two top dogs Kemba Walker, who was widely considered the top available point guard signed with the Boston Celtics for $141 million over four years. Kyrie Irving signed a four-year deal joining forces with Kevin Durant in New Jersey worth $136 million. These two are in fact, not good point guards, they are great, it just helps describe the free-agent market.

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The Detroit Pistons seem like they signed Rose at a bargain price. Rose has a lengthy list of previous injuries that should continue to be a primary concern, in fact, he hasn’t played a full season since 2010-11–his third season. If the Pistons can manage his workload to help keep him upright, he may just overtake Reggie Jackson and become the teams’ starting point guard.

In 51 games last season Rose averaged 18 points per game. He averaged 4.3 assists per game, converted 48% from the field and 37% from three in 27 minutes of work per night. His season was cut short because of bone spurs in his elbow.

Reggie Jackson played in all 82 of the Detroit Pistons games last season starting each one. He averaged 15.4 points per game, he like Rose was also 37% from three. He was 86% from the charity stripe a mere one percent better than Rose, virtually the same. Jackson notched 4.2 assists a game; he was 42% from the field, slightly worse than Derrick. Jackson played 28 minutes a night last year for the Pistons.

As you can see, Jackson & Rose were very comparable, but I feel Rose can create his own shot with a higher scoring ceiling. Rose was 6% better from the field, scored 3 more per game. The Detroit Pistons may decide to use Rose off the bench even if he’s performing better than Jackson just so the court isn’t clogged. Rose and Kennard would both be the primary scoring options with the second-team offense while Blake Griffin is getting a rest.

But, if Rose can find a way to remain healthy, inserting him into the starting lineup could help the team to transition away from Reggie Jackson who is entering the final year of his contract. Playing Rose as a starter this year would help build on-court chemistry now paving the way for next season. It’s inevitable; both guards are likely going to play similar minutes it will be on Dwane Casey’s watch which plays their minutes with the first-string.

They’ve brought in Rose who mirrors Jackson’s stat line with a boost in a couple of areas for a reason. Rose could be the teams starting point guard next year after Jackson has moved on, so why not start the transition now?

Next. Pistons take a chance on center/forward Christian Wood. dark

The Detroit Pistons also have sneaky good Tim Frazier as an insurance policy if an injury occurs. Right now he projects as the teams’ third point guard unless Bruce Brown emerges at the NBA level. He looked very good as the primary ball-handler during the Detroit Pistons summer league.

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