Pistons' Jackson: I felt like 'a shell of myself'

Reggie Jackson sure sounds like a player who is getting ready to be shut down for the season. And with only seven games left in the Detroit Pistons' season and the playoffs looking unlikely, that could come any day now.

The 26-year-old has clearly been hampered all season by the left knee tendinitis that cost him the Pistons' first 21 games. Coach Stan Van Gundy said Jackson is playing at 80 percent.

"There was plays I made (last season) and gaps I could hit, and have the confidence to get there at all times," Jackson said Tuesday, according to MLive's Aaron McMann. "This season, at times I felt good and could get there. Other times, I felt like I was a shell of myself."

Van Gundy conceded Monday that Jackson could be shut down. He's been inactive for Detroit's last two games and lost his starter's job to Ish Smith in the two games before that.

"I don't make decisions," Jackson said. "I want to go out there and compete at the highest level each and every day. Whether it be practice or playing games, that's what we're compensated for. That's what motivates us as players."

Related: Breaking down the 30 seconds that effectively ended the Pistons' season

With Jackson penetrating less, an already austere and ineffective offensive team has suffered further. The Pistons have played better with Smith at the point this season, and even center Andre Drummond has struggled at times.

While Van Gundy hasn't confirmed Jackson will be shut down, Jackson sounded like he's already looking forward to a summer of rehab.

"It's tough, but it's also going to be good in the long run," he said.