The Pistons were active in free agency, nabbing Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee in what were two of the more lucrative contracts handed out this offseason. Yet, it may be Josh Jackson—in the first year of a two-year, $9.77 million deal—who turns out to be the best deal.
Jackson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, looked sharp against the Wizards on Thursday, scoring 17 points in 24 minutes.
“Sometimes guys get labeled in certain areas and Josh got labeled (negatively) as just a cutter… but he can shoot,” coach Dwane Casey told reporters after the preseason game against the Wizards. “Really happy to see him stroking the ball with confidence.”
Jackson has been working on his ball-handling skills leading up to the season and while Casey cautioned that he isn’t sure that the 23-year-old will consistently see pick-and-roll opportunities, he’s pleased with the former Kansas star.
“It’s an opportunity for him…he’s taking advantage of it and I’m exciting for him,” Casey said.
The Suns selected Jackson back in 2017 and he failed to launch, meandering through two seasons before the franchise traded him to Memphis prior to the 2019-20 season. Jackson agreed to spend the first part of last year in the G League for the Memphis Hustle, later earning his opportunity to play with the Grizzlies. Jackson flashed some of the potential that made him a top pick during his 22 games with Memphis last season and early in the preseason, he’s showcasing his skills with the Pistons.
