OKLAHOMA CITY -- Reggie Jackson takes his time when he answers questions. He's thoughtful and contemplative.
He cried after a playoff win a season ago. He smiles after losses.
And Jackson speaks barely above a whisper.
But what Jackson said Monday, when the Thunder players met the media for the first time before training camp begins Tuesday, was loud and clear.
He needed a microphone to say it, or else it wouldn't have been heard, but the message was clear as if it were shouted from the mountaintops.
The Thunder have an opening at the two-guard spot and Jackson wants to be the starter.
"I've got to show them I'm the best candidate for it," Jackson said.
Simple as that. A statement and then a smile, but Jackson didn't leave it at that. Instead, he left no doubt.
Jackson will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season and the next 30 or so days as the Thunder go through training camp will be important as the two sides work toward a deal. The team said it wants Jackson to stick around for a long time. Jackson said he loves it in Oklahoma City, but while Jackson talked of his desire to start, and his reasons were many, the main one might be because it will make him more valuable.
"I can't remember anyone great that wasn't a starter," Jackson said. "All the greats have started. I just want to be great. I want a chance to be great. I can't recall a superstar Sixth Man."
Undoubtedly, Jackson spoke truths. It was organic and pure, void of propaganda. It didn't stink of politics or have a feeling of selfishness.
"I want a chance to have destiny in my hands," he said.
But Jackson is also playing for a paycheck. He doesn't play, he won't get paid. And a starter certainly demands more than a reserve. James Harden's situation with the Thunder wasn't the same, but it was similar. Harden wanted to start, wanted to get paid and got both.
In Houston.
All signs point to Jackson stepping into the starting lineup. Longtime Thunder player Thabo Sefolsha left as a free agent and signed with Atlanta and there's no one on the roster who is as complete as Jackson is. Jackson isn't an accomplished defensive player, but he offers more than Jeremy Lamb, Andre Roberson or Perry Jones as an all-around player. Meanwhile, the Thunder signed Anthony Morrow, a spot-up shooter, brought in for offense. Morrow has already said he's comfortable coming off the bench which would replace some of the scoring the second unit the team would need if Jackson starts.
Aside from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Jackson is the best player on the team at creating his own shot, yet the things which make him so valuable are the reasons why he works so well off the bench. Few bench players in the league can match Jackson's offensive ability, and matched up against other bench players, Jackson has the chance to really excel.
This Thunder team doesn't have a lot of holes. Particularly, offensively. With Westbrook and Durant, few teams have the offense to be able to outscore Oklahoma City. Jackson only makes it better, but instead of dominant this season, it could be a distraction if Jackson doesn't re-sign.
It's a guess to know how much Jackson might be worth, but if the Thunder don't sign him before the season starts, his value will fluctuate even more.
"We've been talking," Jackson said of working on a deal with the team. "We have a month to get thngs done and I love being part of this team, love this city and you can't find a better fan base. I'm thankful for that."
Jackson said if he doesn't start, that would be OK with him, but if he doesn't get signed before the season gets going, would the Thunder try to appease him and start him as a goodwill gesture to get him to re-sign later?
That's an answer only general manager Sam Presti and coach Scott Brooks know. Presti said last week he wanted Jackson to be part of the team's long-term plan.
And Tuesday Jackson said his long-term goal has always been to be a starter.
"I have just grown up believing that I want my time being spent playing against other starters," Jackson said. "I want to be mentioned in the highest of levels. I've always wanted more."
Now, we're about to find out if the Thunder want to pay Jackson more.
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK
