The extra care with Reggie Jackson’s left knee tendinitis isn’t just about managing the joint pain.

The off-season protocol of limited wear and tear and easing into basketball activity is also aimed at helping the Detroit Pistons point guard regain the confidence of the 2015-16 season when he played at a high level in leading the Pistons to the postseason.

Friday was another step in the right direction.

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Jackson was a full participant for the first time this training camp in a full-contact scrimmage.

Coach Stan Van Gundy decided to switch things up and scrimmage during the morning session and leave the instruction to the evening session. The sessions were reversed earlier this week.

The 4-on-4, full-court action left Jackson in a playful mood with reporters afterward.

“The pain I could tolerate,” Jackson said. “It was just the lack of explosion and the feeling you’re letting your teammates down out here — especially with the goals we had set last year.”

Jackson had a platelet-rich plasma injection last October. He missed the first 21 games and struggled before he was shut down for the last night games.

Van Gundy said Jackson looked good and confident.

“Today was a good step,” Van Gundy said. “He had a couple of drives right into traffic today. He looked like he’s got some confidence.”

Dominant ’Dre: As Jackson winded down his chat with reporters, he was joined by Pistons center Andre Drummond.

Two days ago, Van Gundy said Drummond has impressed with energy and focus.

Correct assessment?

“Ohhhhhhh my God!” Jackson exclaimed to laughter.

Jackson elaborated.

“He’s been amazing,” Jackson said. “Honestly, ’Dre’s consistency has been the thing that stood out to me. We all know he can be special any given night.”

Tired Boban: After a month with the Serbian national team before camp, backup center Boban Marjanovic is fatigued.

He got a day off.

“He just looked exhausted yesterday,” Van Gundy said. “Those teams practice hard. They go twice a day for a month, getting ready for the European championships and play those games, which are important and emotional, and come back here. He’s only been back a week and he just looked like he was gassed yesterday.”

Injury report: Power forward Jon Leuer left scrimmage with a mild left ankle sprain.

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Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.

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