NBA Q&A: Reggie Jackson

Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry

Q: What kind of adjustment have you had to make playing with Derek Fisher in the second unit instead of Thabo Sefolosha and DeAndre Liggins?

A: Maybe defensive matchups. But (he’s a) knockdown shooter, a smart player. Can drive and attack and kick and make the right plays. So it’s always fun playing with Fish. I think we’re just trying to play off of each other and do the same with the rest of the unit.

Q: Can you elaborate on the defensive matchups aspect?

A: Sometimes I’m going to have to play a bigger 2-guard. You seen I was on Manu (Ginobili). Sometimes when I’m playing with Thabo or DeAndre that’s who they’d be checking. But it’s always a fun challenge. It doesn’t really bother me at all.

Q: Was that your first time guarding Manu? It looked like an interesting matchup.

A: Yeah, I didn’t play in the playoffs against him. I don’t really remember too much of last season so I’m not sure if I played against him or not. But it was a fun matchup going against him.

Q: People seem to forget, because you didn’t play much last year you’re still going through seeing some opponents for the first time. How are you adjusting to that and what is now seeing them for the first time doing for you going forward?

A: It doesn’t matter. It’s just another body in front of me. Try to remember some of their moves, I guess, some of the things they like to do. But just go out there and compete and just be aggressive.

Q: It seems like everybody you play is faceless, teamless, jerseyless. Is that advice you got from somebody earlier, it doesn’t matter who, what is that about you?

A: It’s just how I was raised. The aggressor always wins, whether it’d be a fight or whether it’d be a game. That’s just how I’ve grown up so that’s just how I approach it.

Q: When you see film of yourself this year, how does it compare to last year? What do you notice about yourself, is it the demeanor, the calm, the penetrating moves, what is it?

A: I think it’s a combination of all those things, just being more in tune with myself, more confident in just trying to make plays, just be aggressive. So I guess probably just stronger play all the way around but still trying to improve.

Q: Recently you’ve seem to be taking more shots and being more aggressive. Is that something you’ve made a concerted effort to do?

A: Scotty said it best. I think we all work on our game every day so when you get an opportunity there’s no point of being shy. He kind of preaches that. So if I’m open I’m definitely looking to let it fly and if I’m not just try to attack and make plays for others.

Q: Was there ever a moment when Scotty said ‘Go out there and attack more,’ or did you take it upon yourself.

A: I’m not sure. I really don’t remember.

Q: Your rebounding has really stood out this season. Has that been something you’ve always been good? You seem to have a knack for it.

A: I’ve been decent. But my brother has always stayed on me throughout my career; if I go get rebounds, normally when I do and am aggressive on defensive rebounds I’m just an aggressive player all the way around. And I don’t have to worry about an outlet or anybody stealing it. That’s something he’s always preached to me growing up, and I just try to keep it in the back of my mind.