DETROIT — Earlier than Reggie Jackson grew to become a family identify for NBA followers, he was only a younger child on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder looking for his approach and make a reputation for himself. Then a commerce to the Detroit Pistons on the 2015 deadline modified the trajectory of his profession.
Now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jackson spent elements of six seasons in Detroit averaging 16.2 factors and 5.6 assists whereas serving to information the franchise to playoff appearances in 2016 and 2019. These playoff appearances are the one two the group has seen since 2009.
As Jackson and the Sixers put together to tackle the Pistons on Saturday, the veteran spoke with Sixers Wire about what the Pistons and the town of Detroit have accomplished for him.
“They gave me a chance,” Jackson stated. “They gave me an opportunity. They gave a child, such as you stated, simply to make a reputation for himself. Attempt to discover out the place he stands within the league and it was a fantastic alternative. “It is actually enjoyable for me to attempt to embrace the town and go away a mark each night time and each alternative that I’ve had the chance to play.”
Jackson and Andre Drummond, now each Sixers teammates, bonded within the metropolis of Detroit. In the course of the interview, Drummond got here bouncing round and the 2 did their handshake, signifying how a lot they imply to one another. With out Drummond being a fantastic teammate, there may not be success for Jackson, who earned himself an enormous contract with the Pistons in the course of the 2015 offseason.
“Simply coming again to city is at all times cool,” Jackson added. “I take into consideration my time enjoying right here. Most of all, enjoying with this man, Andre. That is crucial factor that involves thoughts. Simply the reminiscences we made and the bonds that fashioned. skilled by being right here.”
Jackson additionally helped carry a glimmer of hope to the town. On the time, Detroit’s sports activities groups had been struggling. The Tigers had been in the course of a drought, the Lions had been removed from the contenders they at present are and the Pistons hadn’t made the playoffs in seven years for what was as soon as a proud NBA franchise.
“It was cool,” Jackson smiled. “It was only a cool vibe. Particularly, at a time when not many groups had been good, which might be reversed proper now, so it is good to see Detroit win. Particularly, from a sports activities standpoint, it “It is a premier sports activities metropolis so I am blissful for the town of Detroit.”
Detroit was swept by the eventual champion Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019, however Jackson discovered quite a bit and helped carry hope to the town.
“On the time, it was nearly giving the town one thing to sit up for,” Jackson completed. “It was enjoyable. We did not do a lot or make loads of noise within the playoffs, nevertheless it was nonetheless enjoyable to have a chance there. Largely, making an attempt to do the wonderful realizing that we Had been in eighth place at the moment Dropping to the eventual champion Cavs and enjoying a promising younger star in Giannis (Antetokounmpo), my second time, shedding that one 0-4 was additionally very robust, nevertheless it was enjoyable.
Jackson will now look to assist the Sixers emerge from this 3-14 begin and get the crew again on monitor.
This text was initially revealed on Sixers Wire: Sixers’ Reggie Jackson talks concerning the significance of the Pistons to his profession
