He is perhaps the one who best symbolizes the superb course of the Clippers in these 2021 NBA Playoffs. Despite the elimination against the Suns last night, Reggie Jackson can go on vacation with his head held high, he who exceeded all expectations during this beautiful countryside, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard. He came back a long way, so inevitably, the emotion took over at the press conference.
“I was ready to stop everything. I was thinking about retirement because I just couldn’t be healthy. ” If he had been told a few months ago that he would become one of the heroes of the Clippers in the longest run in the history of the California franchise, Reggie Jackson probably wouldn’t have believed it. Not after all the sores he’s had in recent years, not after his buyout with Detroit where he signed an $ 80 million five-year deal in 2015, not after the Clippers choke on the bubble. However, on July 1, 2021, Reggie leaves the Playoffs by the front door, he who has undoubtedly played the best basketball of his career in recent weeks, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard. 19 games in total (17 starts), 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists averaging 48.4% shooting, 40.8% parking and 87.8% free throws. Without Kawhi? These numbers climb even more: six games with more than 20 points in eight outings, with memorable moments as a bonus like his performance to send the Jazz to Cancun (27 points, 10 assists), not to mention his two performances at 23 pawns in Los Angeles’ two victories over Phoenix in the Western Conference Finals. Not for nothing that he was called “Mr. June”. Decisive, never afraid of what is at stake and determined to help his family go as far as possible, Reggie has step-up when the Clippers needed him most. Gone are the days when Jackson was the target of criticism for his inability to secure the lead of the Pistons. In his role as combo guard and offensive booster, RJ was like a fish in the water in these Playoffs and obviously he didn’t want the great adventure to end. The proof at a post-match press conference, where he shed his little tear while paying tribute to his friends. Take out the tissues.
“The first thing I said to the guys was’ thank you for saving me. I appreciate every guy in this locker room. I appreciate Paul George for contacting me last year as the adventure ended in Detroit. I am grateful for everything I have experienced here.
With this city, I feel like I’m at home. This frankness welcomed me, with my quirks, my strengths and my weaknesses. I wouldn’t be here without this team. Without this team, I wouldn’t play basketball today. I thank them for everything. In my heart, it will always be a special year. […] I believe this group has revitalized me. “
– Reggie Jackson, via ESPN
While his career was going nowhere in February 2020, while he wondered about his future after the resounding failure of the bubble in the midst of COVID, Reggie Jackson was able to count on the Clippers and in particular Paul George for the push, and give him the confidence he probably needed right now. While we’ve always known Reggie was talented, we didn’t expect him to shine so much on the Playoff stage. But he did, just before he became a free agent this summer. Timing level, it’s pretty good. Signed for the veteran minimum by the Clippers, Jackson could potentially earn much more than his annual salary of $ 2.3 million with his next contract. At 31, this may be his last chance to fill his bank account properly, so we’ll see if his future plays out in Los Angeles or in a franchise that might offer more greenbacks than the Clippers already. well armored at the salary cap level.
Whether he continues the adventure with the Clippers or goes elsewhere, Reggie Jackson has managed to relaunch his career in the jersey of the California franchise. He rediscovered the joy of playing basketball in Los Angeles and that he will never forget. We, for our part, will never forget his Playoffs campaign, which represents one of the great stories in the midst of the countless wounds that mark the postseason 2021.
Text source: ESPN
An emotional and tearful Reggie Jackson talks about how much this team and his best friend Paul George have meant to him and his career. pic.twitter.com/9esDrS3P1U
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2021
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