Pelica Debrief
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Is Reggie Jackson Trade Fit for New Orleans Pelicans?

By Tyler Pearson

Feb 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives the ball to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas (16) defends during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pelicans defeated the Pistons 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives the ball to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas (16) defends during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pelicans defeated the Pistons 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Rumors of the New Orleans Pelicans in trade talks, could the recent rise of Reggie Jackson talk peak their interest as well?

As the NBA trade deadline looms and trade rumors continue swirling around the league, the New Orleans Pelicans have found themselves to be in the spotlight of many discussions.

Word has reached league-wide that the Pelicans are vying to trade for a big man. This is likely to alleviate Anthony Davis from taking a pounding every night. His size is a tough matchup, against some of the NBA’s best centers. (i.e. DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, Hassan Whiteside, etc.)

Most notably, the Pelicans have been identified to have trade talks about acquiring Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor and Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, trade discussions have simmered a bit. This is due to a range of holdups, that are preventing any deal from happening. One trade rumor that has circled NBA ears has been the Detroit Pistons shopping their starting point guard Reggie Jackson.

At first, the thought of bringing in another guard to an already crowded backcourt appears odd and the wrong thing to do at this juncture.

However, it makes sense when considering the possibility of Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans leaving this summer, via free agency. If, by chance, Holiday and Evans decide not to re-sign this offseason, the Pelicans are left with only Tim Frazier and E’Twaun Moore. Both of them can run the point, but are not starting point guards in the NBA. That is a total drop-off in talent, from the likes of having Jrue and Tyreke running the show.

Why the Pels would trade for him?

Reggie Jackson is a dynamic, point guard that possess a great scoring mentality.

Since his return, Reggie has been averaging 15.2 points, 5.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Although those stats aren’t stellar numbers, he’s still producing at a decent rate, despite his knee ailment.

There are concerns about his defense, but that can be corrected in time. He has a bit of moxy on the floor too. His contract, which is smaller than the current market for a player his talent level, is a big factor. Reggie Jackson is still under contract for another three years, at a moderate price. He did sign before the salary cap took a huge increase, when the new NBA bargaining deal took place. If acquired, Dell Demps and the Pelicans will be banking on Jackson returning to his old form from the previous season.

Also, hoping that he can overcome his current injury woes.

Even though Anthony Davis is pulling for Jrue Holiday to re-sign this offseason, it is still unclear whether or not he will come back. How Holiday has played over the course of these two months, he will likely command max money in free agency.

Dell must find out if Jrue does intend to re-up with the Pels this summer. If so, does Demps see Jrue as a max player?

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If not, he must exhaust all options to improve the roster, to stay competitive and keep Anthony Davis happy. As how Alvin Gentry has the offense structured, Reggie Jackson can fit in well into a shoot-first system.

NBA fans will have see in the coming days what will happen for Reggie Jackson and the New Orleans Pelicans.

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