As far as Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy is concerned, criticizing the contract that Reggie Jackson was offered is far from his mind and that his immediate goal is to turn the franchise around.
Jackson was acquired by the Pistons last February from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team, deal which included the Utah Jazz. Jackson shunned a five-year $60 million deal with the Thunder since he did not want to play backup to starting guard Russell Westbrook.
The Pistons hope to finally break through the NBA playoffs after missing out in the past six years. And Van Gundy believes that with Jackson on board, they are headed in that direction.
As far as Jackson's contract goes, he believes critics should not think about it much. He cites the expected spikes in the NBA salary cup in the coming years as something that will eventually make Jackson's current deal look like a bargain. Actually, Van Gundy has a good point.
For Jackson, his re-signing with the Pistons allows him to walk his talk. His wish to no longer play chief reliever will be put to the test and Van Gundy has high hopes for the former 24th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.
As a Thunder, Jackson's rise started in the 2012-13 NBA season. His big break came when regular starter Russell Westbrook went down with a torn meniscus. Jackson would be bumped up to the starting point guard position and he apparently did not disappoint.
And while Jackson proved that he could deliver when called upon, the reality is that the position he holds truly belongs to Westbrook.
So will Jackson be the start of a whole new Bad Boys era, calling to mind when Isaiah Thomas started it all for the Pistons back in 1981?
The thing is some people don't necessarily view the signing of Jackson in the same way. Apparently this could be because Jackson has yet to prove that he deserves such a lucrative deal. Heading into the coming season, that is apparently what Jackson has to do to silence his detractors. If all goes well, Jackson not only proves himself but justifies the defense that Van Gundy is currently putting up for him.
