Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 5 players that desperately need a fresh start

By Morgan Dunn

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 25: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks during play in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 25, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 25: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks during play in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 25, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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“DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the Inaugural NBA game at the new Little Caesars Arena on October 18, 2017 in Detroit, 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. The Pistons defeated the Hornets 102 to 90. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
“DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the Inaugural NBA game at the new Little Caesars Arena on October 18, 2017 in Detroit, 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. The Pistons defeated the Hornets 102 to 90. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

Reggie Jackson

Jackson made no secret of his wanting out of Oklahoma City while he was the Thunder’s backup point guard in 2015, and he got his wish when the Detroit Pistons decided to trade for him. Stan Van Gundy envisioned Jackson as his starting point guard of the present and future, and the early returns down the stretch that season were encouraging.

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However, Jackson’s tenure in The Motor City has been nothing short of a disappointment since the organization awarded him with a five-year, $80 million contract the following offseason. Jackson has simply not been a winning player in Detroit, playing selfish basketball and failing to buy into the team concept.

The Pistons actually played better without him last season, leading to speculation that he could be on the move over the summer. A trade never came to fruition in the offseason, but Jackson was rumored to be on the table for Eric Bledsoe last week.

Jackson is talented, but he’s worn out his welcome in Detroit. His suspect shot selection has led to a 42.6 percent shooting mark this season, including 33.3 percent from 3-point range. Perhaps being dealt to another team would serve as a wake-up call to Jackson and enlighten him ti the fact that he’s not the star player he appears to think he is.

An improved shot selection and willingness to run an offense could make him a useful player again, though that may be feasible only with an organization with an established culture of team basketball. He doesn’t seem to be changing his ways as long as he remains in Detroit.

Denver could be a reasonable destination for Jackson after the Nuggets missed out on Eric Bledsoe. Perhaps a deal centered around Emmanuel Mudiay would work for both teams. The Clippers, Pacers and Spurs are other landing spots that could make sense for Jackson.

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