Reggie Jackson is expected to leave the Detroit Pistons in the coming hours or days and join the LA Clippers.
Jackson has agreed to a buyout with the Pistons and will sign with the Clippers once he clears waivers.
This was an unexpected move from the Clippers, given the trade deadline had already passed (February). At the same time, there was no indication that Jackson would leave the Pistons at this point of the season.
However, Jackson will join the Clippers soon and it seems the Los Angeles team goes “all-in” for the championship.
Even though the Clippers are third in the Western Conference standings (37-18), they have played inconsistently so far.
Especially when either Kawhi Leonard (load management) or Paul George (hamstring) are out, the Clippers struggle on both ends.
For many NBA experts and former players, like Kendrick Perkins, the team’s main issue was the lack of a talented and reliable backup forward/center.
With only Montrezl Harrell as their top big man, the Clippers knew they had to bolster their roster by one or more big men. And that’s why they signed Marcus Morris before the February 6 trade deadline.
After the trade deadline expired, it seemed unlikely the Clippers would make another move. Yet, they made the surprise and agreed with Jackson.
Jackson played just 14 games for the Pistons this season, after suffering a back injury in October. So, the first question is whether his playing condition is good enough to let him make the difference for the team.
Jackson gives the Clippers bench a starting-level scorer and point guard. He is expected to come off the bench, as Patrick Beverley is the starting point guard.
The team expects Jackson to become another distributor off the bench and he could pair with Lou Williams in the backcourt.
With Beverley currently being injured, it will not be a surprise if Jackson becomes a starter in his first games.
Given his talent and scoring ability, Jackson could become a game changer for the Clippers; yet, the most important thing for him and the team will be to remain healthy, after dealing with back injuries early in the season.
Meanwhile, the Clippers may try to add another player. And this time, they should bolster their frontcourt and get ready for a tough battle in the postseason.
The Clippers know they are considered one of the favorites to reach the NBA Finals. However, they are aware they will need to fight tooth and nail to go all the way in the playoffs.
Since the start of the season, the Clippers are among the teams that are most likely to reach (at least) the Conference Finals.
The majority of sports betting websites, including Zulabet Casino, offers the team as an odds-on favorite to make it to the Finals. The question now is whether the Clippers can confirm the odds and become NBA champions.
With that in mind, the addition of Jackson and Morris proves the team goes “all-in” for winning the title.
