Detroit Pistons: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day

2. Jackson accepting more responsibility

Reggie Jackson appeared relaxed and focused while on the podium during the Pistons’ Media Day. He agreed this season he needs to do a better job of relating to teammates while accepting the role of Robin to Andre Drummond’s Batman.

Jackson laid out some of the expectations he has for himself during Media Day.

"“I have to stand side by side with my man Dre and understand this team is going to go as far as we take them. We’ve got to be married to each other. We’ve got to get on the same page and we have to push ourselves somewhere we’ve never been for our team to go somewhere. That’s the only way it’s going to happen.”"

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press said Jackson’s attitude seemed to be healthier than it has been in the past. Ellis said Jackson discussed his state of mind and approach while he was on the podium speaking during Media Day.

"“All I know, for myself is, I’m ready,” said Jackson, who missed the first 21 games last season with left knee tendinitis and was eventually shut down. “Right now, the plan is to get going. Let’s open this building, Little Caesars, the right way."

Coach Van Gundy talked about getting Jackson up to 100 percent and vowed not to rush him back before he’s ready like he did last year. He also discussed easing Jackson back into the offense by increasing his minutes on a gradual basis.

"“It might be 12 minutes the first game, and then 18,” Van Gundy said. “I don’t know what we’ll do on the back-to-back. We’ll see what happens and go from there. It will be progressive as the season goes on. “He did play some five-on-five with our guys. We’re trying to decide how to bring him along. Really, the biggest issue is conditioning, as you would expect.”"

During the 2015-16 season, Jackson averaged 18.8 points 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game.

 1. Drummond feels better than ever

Andre Drummond came into Media Day carrying less baggage and almost 30 pounds lighter. Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press also mentioned the level of maturity Drummond seemed to display.

While in Vegas, Jackson made it clear to the Pistons and Drummond that it was the center’s team.

"“You have to come in and accept it every day that you’re the best player,” Jackson told Drummond. “You control the game the most.”"

Drummond also mentioned his improved breathing and sleeping habits after having a deviated septum repaired during the offseason. He had been breathing through a closed left nostril the past four seasons.

“Things smell better, things smell worse,” Drummond, speaking at Monday’s Media Day at the Palace. “Having two nostrils is definitely a blessing. Being able to breathe has been great. My workouts have been great. I’m able to sleep better.”

Drummond hopes the weight loss and the surgery help him to return to All-Star form.

Next: 10 candidates for a bounce-back season in 2017-18

Last year, his numbers declined slightly, he averaged 13.6 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, down from 16.2 points, 14.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks the previous season.