NBA Rumors: Reggie Jackson Aware Most See Him As Villain

Reggie Jackson knows that some people have misconceptions about him. But then again, he knows he cannot please everybody. However, the case could be different with the Los Angeles Clippers. He slid into a pretty important role, boosting the chances of the Clips to win it all this season.

Jackson has yet to hit his peak with injuries derailing him this year. But with a new team, the 29-year-old knows that he needs to adjust fast and perform according to head coach Doc Rivers' expectations. Jackson has played in only 21 game this season, averaging 12.9 points, 4.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds. Those numbers are expected to improve once the 6-foot-3 guard get accustomed to the team's system.

It should be noted that Jackson is not expected to score heavily. Rivers has Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to do that. Rather, the 29-year-old guard needs to focus on orchestrating plays and make his teammates look good. It may sound like a simple task but detrimental of the Clippers want to win it all this year.

For his part, all Jackson cares about right now is winning. He was in the same predicament with the Oklahoma City Thunder some years back. But playing behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, it was obvious that Jackson will not be able to show what he can really do. That move to Detroit back in 2016 proved that point and the 6-foot-3 guard rose to the occasion.

Jealousy or some bad blood hardly seemed in the air when Jackson left that year. But some of it showed that year, especially when the Pistons beat the Thunder. Jackson had a celebration after that win and the whole thing just left a negative impact on Durant and the Thunder fans. It appears that has stuck to this day with Jackson getting booed each time he plays against Oklahoma City, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“I can understand why people are mad,” Jackson said, adding, “but ... I’m not living life for them and it’s not their life to live, so I have to do what’s best for myself.”

Either way, Jackson understands the situation he is in and hardly cares. He knows that sometimes you have to be a villain and it all boils down to how you handle it. Right now that hardly shows. But if the Clippers end up facing the Thunder in the postseason, expect things to get mentally tougher for the former top pick.