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Mediocrity in Motown: The Detroit Pistons need to bounce back in 2017-18

Evan Dyal|
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – FEBRUARY 01: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket past Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Palace of Auburn Hills on February 1, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Detroit won the game 118-98. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – FEBRUARY 01: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket past Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Palace of Auburn Hills on February 1, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Detroit won the game 118-98. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Reggie Jackson’s Tough Season

Two years ago, Reggie Jackson averaged 18 points and six assists per game. He had a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 19.4. Then in the offseason he had knee surgery, which made him miss the first six weeks of last years season. Ish Smith held the fort down and the Pistons went a passable 11-10 without Jackson to start the season.

They should of took off when he got back. Well, that didn’t happen. Jackson simply didn’t look the same when he came back. Not as quick or explosive. The ball stuck in his hand too long, and he couldn’t get to the rim like he used to. His defensive effort also slipped greatly.

Things got so bad he was even benched for Ish Smith during the season. Jackson never got his groove back and was shut down for the last nine games of the season. For the season, Jackson averaged 14 points and five rebounds, and his PER dropped to 14.9, which is below average. If you had to point to the main reason the Detroit Pistons struggled last year, look no further than Jackson.

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