The Oklahoma City Thunder have heavily relied on backup PG Reggie Jackson to carry the scoring load for their bench over the past two seasons, but now he wants more.
Jackson has started for OKC while superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have been injured, and has been their most productive player. He's due to be a free agent after this season, and has said that he wants to be a full-time starter somewhere in the league.
If this situation reminds you someone, it should.
James Harden started his career as the Thunder's 6th man, and eventually became one of the teams' best players. OKC eventually traded him to the Rockets after he refused to sign for anything less than a maximum contract - which Houston offered him - which has worked out well for both Harden and the Rockets.
The All-Star sees parallels between his situation and Jackson's, and told the Oklahoma he hopes Oklahoma City pays Jackson what he's "earned":
“I fell into the same situation, and that could have been my only contract. And I’m sure Reggie feels the same way,” Harden told The Oklahoman. “He has to get the money that he’s earned and that he’s worked his whole life for. It’s the nature of the business. It’s going to happen every single year and it’s going to continue to happen.”
“That’s (tougher),” Harden said of Jackson’s situation. “Credit to him. He’s handling it great. He’s been a great leader. Since he’s been on the court he’s been playing very good basketball, and he’s handling it the right way. I’m sure good things are going to happen for Reggie.”
“I just said to him, keep going out there and hooping,” Harden said. “Do what you’re doing; going out there, being aggressive and attacking, being the vocal leader that you are and everything will fall into place.”
Jackson is averaging 21.4 ppg, 7.6 apg, and 4.9 rpg in 41 minutes a game so far this season for the Thunder.
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