Although the NBA All-Star starters were recently revealed, the reserves of the midseason classic have yet to be announced. Despite who ultimately makes the roster, we aren’t expecting to see Reggie Jackson’s name amongst the game’s biggest stars.
The 2021-22 season has been filled with bumps, bruises, and headaches for the LA Clippers. Kawhi Leonard has failed to take a single dribble on the court this year, due to his ongoing ACL rehab. Paul George, while productive and prolific, has played only 26 games. Not only has he been sidelined due to a torn ligament in his right elbow but according to multiple reports, George could be forced to miss the remainder of the season as he mulls elbow surgery.
Reggie Jackson continues to carry the Clippers
In addition to the big-name stars that are missing from the lineup, several of the Clippers ancillary players have failed to step up. Serge Ibaka is a shell of his former dominant self, averaging just six points per game. Eric Bledsoe has been a disaster ever since the franchise acquired him during a midseason trade, averaging just 9.8 points per game on 42% shooting from the field.
We can go on and on discussing the shortcomings of the Clippers overall roster. However, the one constant has been Reggie Jackson.
Although he appeared to be well on his way to becoming a glorified bench player for the remainder of his time in the league, Jackson has bounced back nicely with the Clippers. At the moment, Jackson is leading a banged-up bunch with averages of 16.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
With Jackson leading the way, the Clippers are just above the playoff cut-off line as they currently sit at 8th in the jam-packed Western Conference.
Admittedly, Jackson isn’t the flashiest player in the world, nor is he the most consistent. Presently, with the added offensive burden, Jackson has struggled with his shot, nailing just 38.8% of his baskets from the field. Still, despite his shooting numbers, where would the Clippers be without him? Jackson has been the driving force of a team that’s bereft of any top-tier talent.
Will Jackson be rewarded with the first All-Star nod of his career? Of course not. Should he care? Not at all. Both Jackson and Clipper nation know good and well what he brings to the table. So, in our book, he’s our unofficial All-Star.