The NBA salary cap is set to skyrocket, and valuable-but-not-star players like Reggie Jackson will continue to receive big-money deals similar to the max contracts signed in recent seasons.
Jackson, who signed a five-year, $80 million offer from the Detroit Pistons as a restricted free agent will now earn the same money as Washington Wizards point guard John Wall. And while the two-time All-Star is happy for his fellow NBAers signing big deals, he doesn’t seem particularly thrilled about the lack of fairness.
According to J. Michael of CSN Washington, the five-year starter compared his salary to that of Jackson, a career sixth man.
“People talk about me getting $80 million, now you got people getting $85 million that haven’t made the All-Star (Game) or anything like that. I guess they came in at the right time. That new CBA kicked in and they’re good now. Reggie Jackson gets five years, $80 million. I’m getting the same as Reggie Jackson.”
Now, Wall’s mention of the “new CBA” is a little off, since new free agents are benefiting from the incoming TV deal, but his point is well received.
Through five seasons, Wall has racked up 17.6 points, 8.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals. On the other hand, Jackson has tallied 9.8 points, 3.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 0.7 steals.
Jackson showed his value after being traded to the Detroit Pistons, averaging 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, 4.7 boards and 0.7 steals. However, after 27 games as full-time, non-injury-replacement starter, he’s now receiving a comparable to paycheck to Wall.
Wall is justified in his comments, undoubtedly. Comparatively unfair contracts will continue, especially as the salary cap soars toward $100 million over the next two years.
But as Wall said, he’s happy for fellow professional basketball players fulfilling a dream to compete at the highest level—and making a healthy wage at the same time.
Photo: USA Today Sports