LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Clippers were one of the big winners of the NBA trade deadline acquiring forward Marcus Morris in a trade with the New York Knicks. However, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and the collective brain trust in the Clippers’ front office didn’t stop there.
After negotiating a buyout with the Detroit Pistons, guard Reggie Jackson became available and the Clippers were able to sign him.
Jackson gives the team another playmaking guard capable of providing a spark off the bench. In his early years, Jackson was a backup to Russell Westbrook with the Oklahoma City Thunder, so playing with the second unit isn’t new to him.
However, with both Paul George (hamstring) and Patrick Beverley (groin) banged up with their respective injuries; there could be opportunities for Jackson to really hit the ground running when he gets to Los Angeles. For someone who’s only played 14 games this season because of a bad back, getting those big minutes with the Clippers could help him establish some rhythm.
When George and Beverley return, Jackson and reigning Sixth Man Lou Williams could work well together off the bench. Jackson will add an element of speed and athleticism with that second unit and help get them easy buckets in transition.
Williams could continue to run that potent pick-and-roll with Montrezl Harrell in their half court sets, and Jackson could provide floor spacing and knock down the open three, shooting 37 percent from downtown this season. With his size and speed, Jackson also helps the Clippers defensively, capable of guarding multiple positions.
The other significant aspect of this signing is the Clippers once again block their hallway rival, L.A. Lakers, from adding an integral piece. The Lakers were believed to have interest in Morris and Jackson, but when both became available; it was the Clippers who landed them. Jackson is a better fit for the Clippers than the Lakers, due to the fact that they’ll need a point guard to facilitate and score the ball down the stretch.
While chemistry remains an ongoing issue, the Clippers have the depth and versatility to take on any team, it’s just a matter of getting healthy and incorporating the new guys efficiently.
