Enriches their bench
While Clipper Nation envisions John Wall bum rushing through the lane, drawing an extra defender, before dropping off a pinpoint pass to one of his newly acquired teammates, Reggie Jackson will be forced to get adjusted to life in his new role.
The expectations and goals of the LA Clippers heading into the 2021-22 NBA season were modest. Kawhi Leonard, LA’s unquestioned star, was widely expected to miss the entire year, a prophecy that would ultimately come true. In addition to Leonard being unavailable, LA’s expectations plummeted even further as Paul George dealt with torn ligaments in his right elbow, forcing him to miss 51 games.
As a result, Jackson grinned broadly as his offensive role changed. The newly turned 32-year-old recorded 16.8 points and 4.8 assists during the year, pushing the Clippers to 42 victories. With Jackson likely sent to the bench in favor of Wall, LA’s second unit should easily become the league’s best.
Last season, with many of their normal bench players entering the starting lineup to serve as a panacea to their consistent injury woes, LA still managed to produce the second-highest scoring bench in the NBA, dropping 40 points a night. As Jackson reluctantly prepares for his demotion, his ability to create for himself and others, paired with Norman Powell and Robert Covington, should give the Clippers the edge when their shot troops enter a ball game.