Reggie Jackson set to return tonight against Kings

The long road to recovery has finally hit a new turn for Reggie Jackson — the NBA hardwood. Jackson, who has been out of the Detroit Pistons’ lineup since the second game of the season will suit up for game No. 45 at home against the Sacramento Kings.

At today’s media availability Jackson told reporters he is set to see the floor tonight and will be on a minutes restriction, which is no surprise for a player coming off of a serious injury and an extended absence.

The Pistons seemed to be laying the groundwork for Jackson to be reintroduced into the lineup as the team shuffled its starting lineup and rotation. Derrick Rose, who is also on a minutes restriction, went from the bench to the starting lineup.

Jackson says he hasn’t been told whether he’ll regain his starting spot or come off the bench. My gut tells me he’ll come off the bench as long as Rose is on the roster.

Rose has been the Pistons’ best player, and while the organization needs to be mindful of Rose’s workload, they will still be able to balance both Rose and Jackson with medium to heavy minutes and then sprinkle in a little Bruce Brown if need be.

Jackson’s inclusion back into the lineup could help a team always in desperate need of ball handlers to complement the roster’s heavy dose of perimeter shooting. With Blake Griffin gone for the season and Jackson out, too often Detroit’s lineup has been Rose or nothing.