Why does Jackson get inconsistent minutes

[mavsluvr]

Jackson hasn't played wing all season. He's had great success as a small ball four but those minutes are limited.

Actually, according to bball reference's position estimate, he plays small forward about 41% of the time. 

In addition, shooting is pretty much the only thing JJ is above average at. There are much better rebounders and defenders at his position, so he is usually put in when a a scoring punch is needed. Love the guy, but unless he develops more of an all-around game, his role will probably remain situational. Which is okay, as long as he doesn't mind. Bench specialists matter!

Shooting is the only thing he's above average at? I would agree but couldn't you say the same thing about Seth Curry? One is playing a consistent 21 mins per game and the other nearly half that, sometimes not even playing at all. 

Lets revisit the OP's question: why is Jackson getting inconsistent minutes? 

Jackson so far is severely outplaying Seth in the shooting department. He has more size and gives you more boards. Analytically, he's providing much more defense. What more does he have to do?

Seth has somewhat underperformed this season, for reasons I don't entirely understand. Having said that, Jackson is not interchangeable with Seth. Jackson is a forward. Seth is a guard. Different expectations come with their different roles. You might as well say that Luka should take a slice of KP's minutes. Carlisle is on record as valuing Seth's playmaking highly, and that is something that Jackson doesn't offer. 

Also, guys deep in the rotation generally don't get consistent minutes. That's the NBA for you. Rick has to evaluate guys at the forward positions and determine who is likely to be the best choice, given the team's objectives, at any given time. Jackson hasn't played consistent minutes because Rick believes there are better options unless he particularly needs a shooting specialist at forward off the bench in any certain situation. We don't have to agree with him, but we don't have to be mystified by it, either. 

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I think we all know the answer to your question BB. 

Age and salary. That is why he isn't playing more minutes.