Reggie Jackson Cleared To Practice, Nearing Return

By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid

The Pistons have struggled to stay above water through the early stages of the season, in large part because their starting point guard has been on the shelf.

It appears that won't be the case for much longer.

According to Keith Langlois, Reggie Jackson has been cleared to play. He took part in a full practice on Monday for the first time since being diagnosed with left knee tendinitis in early October.

Per Aaron McMann, Jackson saw considerable action at point guard.

Entering this season, Jackson was considered a crucial piece of a Pistons team looking to take another step up the Eastern Conference ladder. He averaged 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game in 2015-16, helping Detroit reach the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

Without him, the Pistons have stumbled to an 8-10 start. They are last in the Central Division and tenth in the Eastern Conference.

Ish Smith has performed admirably in Jackson's stead, averaging 10.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, but he simply doesn't have the same dynamic ability. The Pistons signed Smith to be the backup point guard, after all, and the 28-year-old journeyman is better suited for that role.

As for when Jackson might return to game action, the timeframe is still unclear. Langlois reported that coach Stan Van Gundy is leaving that decision up to Jackson.

The Pistons visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, before concluding their road trip on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. Per Langlois, it's possible that Jackson could make his season debut in Atlanta.

Though Jackson has been cleared to play, it bears mention that he still has to work himself into game shape. And when he does return, it may take a few outings to shake off the rust. Nevertheless, this is positive news for the Pistons, who have certainly missed Jackson through the first quarter of the season.