NBA: 10 players facing make or break seasons in 2017-18

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AUBURN HILLS, MI – DECEMBER 23: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons takes a second half shot over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on December 23, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Golden State won the game 119-113. 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, PG, Detroit Pistons

Two years ago, Reggie Jackson was an up and coming point guard who led the Detroit Pistons to the playoffs. Last year he was a player who wasn’t the same coming off knee surgery. He struggled with consistency and was even benched for Ish Smith at one point. All of Jackson’s numbers were down across the board. Scoring dropped from 18.8 points per game to 14.5. Assists went from 6.2 to 5.2 per game. His PER dropped from 19.6 to 14.9. He only played in 52 games, it was a lost season for Jackson.

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His poor play on offense even led to worse defense. A reason he was benched.

Now, entering his seventh year in the NBA, Jackson and the Pistons face a crucial season. Much of Detroit’s ability to succeed depends on how Jackson bounces back. Will last year be a random down year or a sign of things to come? Health, of course, is the biggest question. If healthy, Jackson needs to go back to what he does best. Jackson is the kind of point guard, who is kind of good at everything, but not great at anything. Where he is best though is attacking.

Two years ago in his career season, Jackson got to the line 4.3 times a game, and finished at the line an impressive 86 percent. Mix that with a solid 35 percent from deep, you have a weapon. Last year, though, Jackson tended to ball hog and force bad shots. He was pressing. That’s why his field goal percentage dropped from 43 to 41 percent. Jackson should focus on getting his teammates more involved earlier. This wi

ll open up more driving lanes for him, and make the Pistons offense more dangerous.

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More importantly he needs to improve his defensive motor. If he doesn’t, he will quickly end up in Stan Van Gundy’s dog house.

The clock is ticking for Reggie Jackson in Detroit. It’s up to him to show that he is an above average starting point guard, not a solid back up.

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