Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson is set to miss the next 6-8 weeks. The guard is reportedly suffering from a tendinitis in his left knee. Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy informed the media on Wednesday of Jackson’s injury. Van Gundy also confirmed that surgery is unlikely.
Reggie Jackson Out 6-8 Weeks With Knee Injury
Jackson, 26, missed practice on Tuesday and told reporters that he’s been battling tendinitis in his left knee for years. Last year was Jackson’s first full season with the Pistons. Jackson spent the first four seasons of his NBA career, as a backup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season Jackson averaged 18.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds in what was a breakout year.
Head coach Van Gundy had this to say on Jackson status via NBA.com, “We’ve got further evaluation going on, on what’s going to need to happen with him. We’ll have to see how long he might be limited. He’s had this since he came back in September, so it was before camp.”
Jackson has developed into a key player for the Pistons. With this injury, the Pistons will need to rely on backup Ish Smith to step up whilst Jackson is out. Smith had a breakout year of his own last season, averaging a career high 12.6 points with the Philadelphia 76ers. The energetic guard is set to start in Jackson’s absence.
Jackson is one of many players currently sitting just out side of the all-star bubble. After averaging a career high in points, Jackson will hope to take the next step and become a full fledged star in the association. But with this being just one of a long line of injuries, Jackson will need a period of health to achieve such accolades. Last season, Jackson played 79 games. While this shows good progress in dealing with his long term injuries, Jackson’s latest setback is a bad sign for him and the Pistons.
Jackson was drafted 24th overall in the 2011 NBA draft out of Boston College.
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