If Reggie Jackson picks up where he left off at the end of last season, the Pistons would appear to have an appealing trade chip this year.
Jackson is on an expiring contract that pays him $18 million in 2019-20. In the right deal, one where the Pistons would have to take on some money, he could bring back a draft pick or a promising young player -- the kind of asset the team could use as it continues reshaping its roster for the future.
But the Pistons don't envision shopping him if a playoff run is feasible.
"Reggie, we'll see what kind of year he has. He’s excited about the year. It gives you all different options. But if Reggie gets it rolling and we’re playing well, I see us trying to roll the dice and go as far as we could," senior advisor Ed Stefanski told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket.
How much further they can go will depend largely on the health of Griffin, whose terrific 2018-19 season was undone at the finish by a knee injury. Griffin, 30, had arthroscopic surgery in April, and Stefanski said he should be good to go when the Pistons open training camp next month.
"He’s back on the court in LA. We have checked him numerous times. He’s not killing himself in early August, but he’s ramping it up and we expect him to be 100 percent when camp rolls around," said Stefanski.
As for Drummond, who averaged a career high 17.3 points per game last season and led the NBA in rebounds for the third time in four years, Stefanski expects big things.
"Andre has been working out all summer," he said. "Andre seems like he wants to prove something."
"We're excited about Sekuo," said Stefanski. "Sekou is 18 years old, won’t be 19 until December. He’s 6’9, a 3-4 man that we really don't have in the program. Athletic, big upside. I don't see him paying a lot this year unless he surprises me and defensively he’s good enough where the coach will throw him in there, but this kid has things that we don’t have.
"Getting him at the 15th spot (in the draft), we were excited that night."