New Sixers guard Reggie Jackson is back working out with old friends

New Sixers guard Reggie Jackson is back working out with old friends originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia

Reggie Jackson’s media availability was a little delayed on Tuesday.

The Sixers’ newly signed guard finally left the team’s training gym and entered the lobby, ready to answer questions. He was not alone.

André Drummond was next to Jackson. And, after working out with your old friend, Drummond stuck around to listen.

First for Jackson: what made him choose the Sixers?

“That guy,” he said with a smile, pointing at Drummond. “Being around familiar faces, being able to come back. It’s definitely great to play with Andre again and (Paul George). … The deck looks pretty full, so that was a big part of my choice — and just an opportunity to try to do something special.”

Jackson and Drummond were Pistons teammates from February 2015 to February 2020.

“That’s my brother, so it makes it easier,” Jackson said. “We’ve stayed in touch since our days in Detroit. He knows my ups and downs. Even here. My family is connected, so I was excited to play with Andre again and hope the connection feels good on the court.

“I’m sure we have something in the tank. He’s a lot younger than me, so he still has a lot on his mind. But try to come in and do everything you can to help the team.”

Jackson, 34, tanked 82 games last season for the Nuggets and averaged 10.2 points, 3.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds.

Teamed with Tyrese Maxey and Kyle Lowry As a point guard, he knows his minutes could very well be rare or irregular. Much like Cameron Payne last yearhe will try to roll with anything.

“I think the role and the job is to do everything you can to win,” Jackson said, “so be a great locker room guy, try to pass on your knowledge, always be ready to play, whatever the position. . I know we have great point guards. Tyrese, congratulations to him your contract extension. He definitely deserves it – All-Star player. K-Low, Hall of Famer with everything he’s done.

“I’m definitely looking forward to talking to them, exchanging ideas, trying to see how I can help and talking to the entire coaching staff. … My mentality is to just go in and do whatever I need to do — play, cheer, just try to be a great teammate and enjoy the process. That’s the fun part about growing older in this game: you start to enjoy the process more. … Just try to help us be a great team and try to do everything you can to find ways to win.”

Jackson can speak from experience about great teams. While he won’t be part of Denver’s 2023 playoff rotation, he has a championship title and understands those grueling, deep playoff runs the Sixers believe they can take.

“Continuity, work, preparation, adherence to your principles,” he said. “And honestly, just wanting to. … Once you wake up on the right side of the bed, you can live with the results. So as long as we follow the right process, I think we give ourselves a great opportunity to do something special.”

In addition to Drummond, Jackson is back with former Clippers teammate Paul George.

While Drummond got all the credit on Tuesday (and was actually in the room), George’s presence on the Sixers clearly didn’t hurt the team’s case.

“I think they’re going to get a very confident worker,” Jackson said of George. “One of the most confident players in the league. I think we all know he’s probably the calmest player in the league. Fun at all times. Nothing he can’t do. Three-tier scorer, top-tier defender.

“Then you are getting a star. (He’s) a guy who’s still hungry, a guy who still has a lot left in the tank and a tremendous player. I can’t wait to see what he does in a Sixers jersey.”