What To Expect From Jarrett Jack As The Starter

All eyes have turned to Jarrett Jack to take on the challenge of the starting point guard role. For many, it’s a sigh of relief because the Deron Williams drama has finally come to an end. But for Jack, this isn’t foreign territory. Throughout his 11 seasons in the league, he has played for seven different teams and started 40+ games in three of those seasons.

Jack earned his first starting job in his second season playing for the Portland Trailblazers. In 33.6 minutes per game, he averaged 12.0 points and 5.3 assists. At the time, the Blazers had a very young roster led by six-year man Zach Randolph and rookies LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. That team finished just 32-50 on the year, but Jack started all 79 games that he played. Shooting wise, he was efficient, shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 35 percent from three, and 87.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Two years later, Jack started 52 of 82 games for the Indiana Pacers. That year, he posted 13.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game as the team finished with a 36-46 record. Their 36-win record wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs, but Jack helped them rank third in the NBA in terms of pace, making them better in transition.

Jack’s last season in which he started more than 40 games (43 to be exact) came the following season, this time for the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors finished the season 40-42 and were beat out by the Chicago Bulls for the eighth and final playoff spot.

May 1, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Jarrett Jack (0) controls the ball against Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jack had a drop in production when he came off the bench instead of starting. He averaged 11.4 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in just 27.4 minutes per game.

So for Jack, entering this season as the projected starter isn’t as big a big deal as some are making it out to be. He is one of the more underrated players in terms of being a consistently efficient role player. His experience with teams that like to get out in transition will help when he is paired with the younger players on the current roster, even though it is yet to be seen whether or not head coach Lionel Hollins will adjust his offensive mindset to allow it. No matter the pace of the offense, Jack is the best bet for the starting position not only for his production, but also for his valuable veteran leadership.

The point guards behind him on the depth chart are Shane Larkin and Donald Sloan, neither of whom can be counted on for consistent production. Therefore, Jack will likely see his minutes increase anywhere from the 30-35 range.

Going off of his previous seasons with similar minutes, it should result in another solid stat line of 12-15 points, 4-6 assists, and 3-5 rebounds per game. If Jack can put up those types of numbers consistently, the Nets will be in very good shape considering they will have Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson, and Thaddeus Young to carry much of the scoring load.

The NBA has turned into a league where having a scoring point guard is becoming more and more valuable. Golden State has it with Stephen Curry, Cleveland with Kyrie Irving, and Oklahoma City with Russell Westbrook. While Jack doesn’t have the scoring ability of those point guards, he has the toughness and understanding of the game that can help make up what he lacks against those specific players. He is ready for his opportunity with the team this season, and will look to lead the Nets to success.

What To Expect From Jarrett Jack As The Starter

By Colby Giacubeno | Sep 22, 2015

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