Honorable Mention: Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons
Counting Stats: 18.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds
PER: 19.62
WS: 6.9
VORP: 2.6
Jackson has come a long way in his development as a cornerstone point guard. From his days of backing up Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, to now starting and playing alongside All-Star center Andre Drummond, Jackson’s game has come around full circle.
Entering his sixth season in the NBA, Jackson’s versatility and scoring ability has distinguished himself from others across the league. On paper, Jackson may not possess the flash as some of the game’s top-flight point guards, such as Westbrook or Stephen Curry, but he has no doubt proved his worth as a catalyst for the up and coming Detroit Pistons.
Jackson has evolved into a reliable shooter when his team needs him to be, connecting on 43 percent of his shots from the field. In addition, Jackson has grown to be one of the league’s most potent scorers in the pick-and-roll. Last season, Jackson attempted 599 shot attempts in PnR – 4th highest rate among qualified point guards – and converted on 53.8 percent of his shots at the rim.
For this season, the Pistons undoubtedly need his help along with its crop of young wings Stanley Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, to extend their playoff future for another year.
Next: No. 10