The Detroit Pistons are beginning to get a clearer idea of how long they’ll be without starting point guard Reggie Jackson to begin the 2016-17 season.
According to a report by Aaron McCann of MLive.com on Sunday, Jackson will likely need 4-6 weeks to be cleared for basketball activity, meaning that he could return in late November in an optimistic scenario and in early December in a more realistic one.
Reggie Jackson update: likely 4-6 weeks before he can be cleared for basketball activity. Late-Nov. return optimistic, early-Dec. likely.
— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) October 9, 2016
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Pistons were worried Jackson would miss extended time to start the year with knee tendinitis. The 26-year-old averaged 18.8 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 6.2 assists per game in 2015-16.
Detroit will miss Jackson’s ability to run pick-and-roll with Andre Drummond and to get the basketball to their plethora of three-point shooters. The newly-signed Ish Smith will take over at the point guard position for the time being, but it’s a downgrade in terms of efficiency, floor spacing, and defense. Still, Smith’s frenetic style of play has a way of creating good looks for teammates, so the Pistons shouldn’t struggle too badly for the 20 or so games it looks like Jackson will be sidelined for.
H/T Rotoworld
