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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
2022 Free Agents - Frank Jackson
Summary
The #31 pick in 2017, Jackson only played in 160 games over his first four seasons, including missing his entire rookie season. In '21-'22, Jackson also missed some time, only playing 53 games. When he has played, he has shown some nice flashes but overall hasn't proven he can be a rotational player on a good team. Jackson is an athletic guard but hasn't been able to turn those tools into a finished product. Jackson very rarely makes plays for others, and is more of a wing now after coming into the league as a combo guard or point guard.
He did show some improvement in his shooting in '20-'21, posting an above-average eFG% thanks to 41% three-point shooting, but that came back down to earth in '21-'22, as he shot 31%. He has been particularly good in the corners. Because Jackson is only 6'3", his lack of play-making skills makes him more difficult to play, because that means you'll have to play him next to a play-making wing in order to have some creation on the court, or play a lineup with two small guards.
On defense, Jackson has potential to be an above-average defender. He is athletic and at least has enough size to be a good defender of point guards. His block and steal rates are poor though, and he doesn't provide any rebounding either.
I'm surprised Jackson got more than the minimum in 2021, but the Pistons seem to like him and had some extra money to give away, so they may end up keeping him on his reasonable team option for '22-'23.
Cap Considerations
Jackson has a $3.15 million team option for 2022-2023, and if that is declined he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $3.9 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. The Pistons could offer Jackson a starting salary of up to 5% more than the average salary (likely around $10 million) using the Early Bird exception, which should be more than enough should they wish to re-sign him. If it wasn't enough and the Pistons wanted him back, they simply wouldn't decline the option in the first place, but technically speaking they could also use cap space to re-sign Jackson if necessary.
Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Jackson as even teams without cap space could possibly use either of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, Room MLE, or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. There's also a chance that he could be signed with a minimum contract.
Potential Teams: Pistons, Jazz, Clippers, Hawks, Warriors
Predicted Contract: Opt-In: $3.2 million
If opt out: 1-year, $2.1 million ($1.8 million cap hit) with the Pistons
Actual Contract: 1-year, $2.1 million (non-guaranteed) with the Suns
Jackson couldn't get a guaranteed contract, and will have to earn a roster spot with Phoenix, who could use some extra youth in the backcourt.
Last updated: 9/20/2022
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