NBA: Most likely first time All-Stars from each team: LA Clippers – Reggie Jackson
The career of Reggie Jackson was essentially dead and gone. As a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first few seasons in the league, Jackson showed a ton of potential. That potential kept rearing its glamorous head once he touched down in Detroit.
Jackson had a few really good years in the Motor City, dropping 17.6 points and 9.2 assists in 2015. But his time in Detroit ran its course and Jackson attempted to find a home in LA with the Clippers last year. For much of the season, he languished on the bench and spent more time waving a towel for his teammates as opposed to putting in work on the court.
Everything changed in playoffs though. Jackson averaged 17.8 points and 3.2 assists. He also noticeably took a step forward once Kawhi Leonard went down due to a torn ACL. It’s unlikely, albeit unconfirmed, that Leonard plays at all this season. That in turn, should leave the door wide open for Jackson to make an All-Star push. He’s doing a solid job thus far, dropping over 15 points a night.
We all know that Paul George is a virtual lock for the All-Star squad but he’ll need a ton of help just to keep them afloat in the Western Conference. Expect Jackson to get better and better this season and carve out a spot on this year’s All-Star squad.