For the first time since the second game of the season, Reggie Jackson will be on the floor Wednesday night for the Pistons.
He returns to a team at a crossroads, three games out of the playoffs with the Feb. 6 trade deadline looming.
“I just want to help get wins,” Jackson told reporters Wednesday morning.
After playing in all 82 games last season, Jackson's been sidelined for most of this one with a stress reaction in his back. Derrick Rose and Bruce Brown have shared point guard duties in his absence, with Rose emerging as a potential All-Star.
Jackson, who averaged 15.4 points and 4.2 assists while shooting a career-best 39 percent from three in 2018-19, will start out on a minutes restriction. His role figures to expand as he regains his form.
But the end could be near for Jackson in Detroit. The Pistons are poised to be sellers at the deadline, and Jackson's $18 million expiring contract is a movable asset. Rose is a candidate to be dealt as well.
“I’ve been feeling better each and every day,” Jackson said. “It’s been good rehabbing. I’m just happy to get a chance to go out here and compete with my teammates.”