Reggie Jackson’s 2021 playoff journey has come to an end, but he’s still grateful that he’s played for a contender, rather than the cellar-dweller he once suited up for.
It’s no secret that the Pistons are one of the worst organizations in professional basketball, from top to bottom. Jackson knows that all too well, as he played for the Pistons from 2015-20. He did get a buyout late in the 2020 season, which resulted in him signing with the Clippers just a few days later.
And while last year’s playoff journey was a nightmare for the Clippers, with them collapsing after enjoying a 3-1 series lead against the Nuggets, 2021 was a different story. Had Kawhi Leonard not suffered an injury, the team might have punched its ticket to the NBA Finals.
But a Game 6 loss to the Suns at Staples Center sealed their fate, and the offseason could bring major changes within the organization. Jackson doesn’t appear devastated about the team coming up short, though. Instead, he thanked the Clippers for taking a chance on him in the first place.
“My 10th year was my best year,” Jackson began, as transcribed by Pro Basketball Talk. “The most challenging year. The most fun year. Not sure when you’re going to play. Ups and downs. Guys were injured. Still finding my way into this locker room. First thing I told these guys was, “Thank you for saving me.” I appreciate every guy in that locker room. I appreciate Paul for getting on that phone last year, at the end the season, was talking to a buyout with Detroit. I’m thankful for everything I’ve experienced being here – this city making me feel at home, this organization welcoming me, my quirks, my strengths, my weaknesses. I’m not here today without this team. I’m not here playing without this team. So, yeah, I thank them.”
Jackson is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and it appears he knows he could be playing elsewhere next season.
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