If Reggie Jackson may have trouble finding minutes in the Sixers' rotation, he will at least be able to be satisfied with finding players he knows well. NBA champion in 2023 with the Nuggets, he notably played with Andre Drummond at the Pistons from 2015, until they were traded in 2020. Then, he rubbed shoulders with Paul George, “his savior”, during his adventure with the Clippers.
“It’s really great to play with Andre and Paul George again,” enthuses the former Thunder point guard. “The squad seems pretty strong, and that weighed heavily in my choice, as well as having the opportunity to achieve something special.”
After leaving Detroit, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson have always stayed in touch, and after four years apart, perhaps they will have to find some automatisms again.
“He’s my brother, so that makes things easier,” Reggie Jackson assures. We've stayed in touch since our time in Detroit. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. Same for me. My family is connected to his, and I'm very excited to play with Andre again, and I hope that connection carries over to the field. I'm sure we have a lot left in the tank. He's a lot younger than me, so he's got a lot left in the tank.
Meager minutes
At 34, Reggie Jackson didn't miss a single regular-season game with the Nuggets last season, so he's a model of endurance. And his 10.2 points and 3.8 assists average prove he can still deliver.
But with Tyrese Maxey and Kyle Lowry in front of him, minutes will be limited at point guard.
“I think the role and the job are first of all to do the maximum to win”he believes. So whether it's being a good locker room player, trying to pass on your knowledge, being ready at all times to play, no matter what position… I know we have some really good leaders. There's Tyrese, and congratulations to him on his contract extension. He definitely deserves it, he's an All-Star. K-Low is going to be a Hall of Famer for everything he's done.”
In search of a second ring, Reggie Jackson is now ready to accept this role of veteran, even mentor.
“I’m really looking forward to talking to them, exchanging ideas, seeing how I can help and talking to all the staff,” concludes the 2023 NBA champion. “My mindset is just to come in and do whatever it takes. Whether that’s playing, cheering, trying to be a good teammate and enjoying the process. That’s the fun part about getting older in this game is you start to enjoy the process more. Just trying to help us be a great team and do whatever I can to find ways to win.”
