Next stop for LA’s Reggie Jackson? All-Star status

No matter how unlikely the odds of the LA Clippers making the playoffs were, Reggie Jackson refused to hang his head low and throw in the towel.

With Kawhi Leonard donning his signature new balance kicks on the sidelines as he continued his recovery process from a torn ACL, Jackson shouldered a larger than expected offensive role. The offensive spotlight only shone brighter on Jackson once Paul George was forced to miss 51 games due to torn ligaments in his right elbow.

Jackson was both durable, playing 75 games, and reliable, averaging 16.8 points and 4.8 assists. He constantly fought through double teams and increased defensive attention. Never, however, did Jackson appear unnerved. Also, while often viewed as a vagarious player, Jackson was steady and consistent.

Throughout it all, nevertheless, Jackson was given little to no consideration for the mid-season classic. In all honesty, those Western Conference All-Star selections were deserving but Jackson’s numbers stacked up nicely when we juxtaposed them with some of his peers.

Comparing Reggie Jackson’s stats to his competition

• Andrew Wiggins: 17.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.2 apg
• Dejounte Murray: 21.1 ppg, 9.2 apg, 8.3 rpg (23-36 record at the All-Star break)
• Draymond Green: 7.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 7.0 apg 
• Reggie Jackson: 16.8 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.6 rpg

The Clippers’ overall record of 30-31, of course, did Jackson no favors. Still, regardless of their subpar win total, Jackson should receive serious consideration for next season’s All-Star Game.

Jackson should benefit from decreased attention on the defensive end with the returns of both George and Leonard. The incredibly talented guard should also be able to slither his way through the lane and punish defenders at the rim.

Ultimately, with better shooting splits, overall numbers, and wins – the Clippers could and should find themselves near the top of the Western Conference charts. If so, Leonard and Paul are virtual All-Star locks. Similarly, Wiggins was also selected to his first All-Star Game thanks to the Golden State Warriors team success as opposed to his solid but not overwhelming play.

It may seem a bit unlikely but if everything falls into place, Jackson could be rewarded with his first All-Star Game appearance.