NBA Rumors: Pistons Guard Returning Soon; Will Derrick Rose Trade Talks Amplify?

KEY POINTS

Reggie Jackson will be returning to the Pistons soon
Jackson boosts the backcourt rotation of Detroit
Jackson return could factor in Derrick Rose trade talks

The Detroit Pistons have been in the news lately with some players rumored to be on the block. Andre Drummond and Derrick Rose are reportedly drawing interest even though the Pistons still have a shot at advancing to the NBA playoffs.

Regardless of what the future holds for Drummond and Rose, head coach Dwane Casey revealed that point guard Reggie Jackson could be back in action soon, according to a report by Rod Beard of Detroit News. The 29-year-old guard played just two games this season. He has been sidelined by a back injury but an impending return will be welcome for the struggling Detroit quintet.

#Pistons coach Dwane Casey says Reggie Jackson has been cleared to return and could be back this week: "A lot of is going to depend on Reggie. He's been in practice dunking on people and talking more than anybody else, so I'll be glad when he gets back."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) January 20, 2020

With Jackson in the sidelines, Bruce Brown has taken on the starting point guard role. Together with Rose, both have been holding up the fort for the Pistons. Unfortunately, their efforts are only good enough to steer Detroit to a 16-28 win-loss card in the NBA Eastern Conference. A Jackson return could ramp up their chances, depending on how fit the 24th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft performs.

In the two games he has played, Jackson averaged only 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. These are a far cry from his career numbers of 12.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. The best performance in his 10 NBA seasons came in 2015-16, norming 18.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.

For the Pistons, it is all about deciding their fate heading into the NBA playoffs. Some feel that they could either grab the NBA playoff opportunity or sell off some of their stars. Drummond and Rose have been performing well, a reason why other playoff-bound teams want them. Both prefer to stay in the Motor City but are aware the decision is not theirs to make.

Rose has garnered interest from several teams. That includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The one-time MVP is having one of his finest seasons, averaging 18.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 31 games.

All teams mentioned could use a guard like Rose to boost their chances in the postseason wars. But the question is will the top pick of the 2008 NBA Draft be able to sustain the same level of play and stay healthy? At 31, an NBA trade could work for Rose. Looking at his basketball resume, only an NBA title is missing to fulfill his storied pro basketball career.