Reggie Jackson was dealt to the Denver Nuggets at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, won a championship, then inked a deal to play at least one more season in the Mile-High City. Though Jackson is happy to be back and hopes to help Denver repeat as NBA champions, he understands that things will be tougher this season.
He said so during a recent chat with The Athletic’s Tony Jones.
“This is a big season for me and for us in general,” Jackson told Jones. “The understanding that we have to go into the season with is that we have a mark on our backs collectively as a team. But, also, I have to do my part and do everything I can to try and make us as successful as possible… My job is going to be to come in and try and steady the ship as much as I can when I’m in the game. I think the young guys are going to be very fun to play with. There is a lot of talent in that locker room. As a second unit, we have to make sure that we are able to keep things rolling.”
What will Reggie Jackson’s role with Denver Nuggets actually look like?
Jackson appeared in 16 regular-season games for the Nuggets last year, starting twice. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 38.3% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc.
Those numbers weren’t enough to earn him consistent playing time in the playoffs. Jackson logged just three minutes per contest across six postseason appearances for the Nuggets.
So, what sort of role should fans expect to see the former Boston College star take on in this upcoming campaign? Probably a veteran leadership-type role. Jackson, now 33 finds himself amongst a younger nuggets core. Only four of Denver’s 15 players are above the age of 30.
Denver actually has seven incoming rookies this season. As the team looks to avoid financial penalties under the new CBA, they’ll be hoping that at least a few of those guys are able to contribute on their cheap contracts.
The 12-year veteran, Jackson, could serve as a great mentor to some of the team’s prospects. Plus, he’ll probably eat up some minutes as Jamal Murray’s backup too. It may be the best of both worlds for Jackson as he looks to help the Nuggets “steady the ship” this season.