He is perhaps the one who best symbolizes the Clippers’ superb course in these 2021 NBA Playoffs. Despite the elimination once morest the Suns tonight, Reggie Jackson can go on vacation with his head held high, he who exceeded all expectations during this great campaign, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard. He came back from very far so inevitably, emotion took over at the press conference.
“I was ready to stop everything. I was thinking regarding retirement because I just mightn’t get healthy. » If he had been told a few months ago that he would become one of the Clippers’ heroes in the longest run in the history of the Californian franchise, Reggie Jackson probably would not have believed it. Not following all the sores he has experienced in recent years, not following his buyout with Detroit where he signed an $ 80 million deal over five years in 2015, not following the Clippers choke in the bubble. However, on July 1, 2021, Reggie leaves the Playoffs through the front door, he who has undoubtedly played the best basketball of his career in recent weeks, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard.. 19 games in total (17 starts), 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists on average at 48.4% shooting, 40.8% parking and 87.8% free throws. Without Kawhi? These figures climb even more: six games with more than 20 points in eight outings, with memorable moments as a bonus such as his performance to send the Jazz to Cancun (27 points, 10 assists), not to mention his two performances at 23 pawns in Los Angeles’ two wins over Phoenix in the Western Conference Finals. Not for nothing that he was called “Mr. June”. Decisive, never afraid of what’s at stake and determined to help his people go as far as possible, Reggie has step-up when the Clippers needed him most. Gone are the days when Jackson was the target of criticism for his inability to lead the Pistons. In his role as combo guard and offensive booster, RJ was like a fish in water in these Playoffs and obviously he didn’t want the great adventure to end. The proof in the post-match press conference, where he shed his little tear while paying tribute to his friends. Take out the tissues.
“The first thing I said to the guys was ‘thank you for saving me’. I appreciate every guy in this locker room. I appreciate Paul George for contacting me last year when the adventure ended in Detroit. I am grateful for everything I have experienced here.
With this city, I feel like home. This franchise welcomed me, with my quirks, my strengths and my weaknesses. I wouldn’t be here without this team. Without this team, I wouldn’t be playing basketball today. I thank them for everything. In my heart, this will always be a special year. […] I think this group revitalized me. »
– Reggie Jackson, via ESPN
While his career was going nowhere in February 2020, as he wondered regarding his future following the resounding failure of the bubble in the middle of COVID, Reggie Jackson was able to count on the Clippers and in particular Paul George for the push, and give him the confidence he probably needed at that moment. If we always knew that Reggie had talent, we did not expect to see him shine so much on the Playoffs stage. But he did, and that just before becoming a free agent this summer. Level timing, it’s pretty good. Signed for the veteran minimum by the Clippers, Jackson will potentially be able to earn significantly more than his $2.3 million annual salary with his next contract. At 31, this may be his last chance to fill his bank account properly, so we’ll see if his future unfolds in Los Angeles or in a franchise that may offer more greenbacks than the Clippers, already. well shielded at the level of the salary cap.
Whether he continues the adventure with the Clippers or goes elsewhere, Reggie Jackson has managed to relaunch his career in the jersey of the Californian franchise. He rediscovered the joy of playing basketball in Los Angeles and that he will never forget. We, on our side, will never forget his Playoffs campaign, which represents one of the great stories in the midst of the countless injuries that mark the postseason 2021.
Text source: ESPN
An emotional and tearful Reggie Jackson talks regarding how much this team and his best friend Paul George have meant to him and his career. pic.twitter.com/9esDrS3P1U
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2021
