The Sixer Sense
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Prospects the Philadelphia 76ers Should Watch for in the 2017 Draft Class

By Christopher Kline

Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald's All-American West guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates the victory with forward Josh Jackson (11) during the McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald's All-American West guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates the victory with forward Josh Jackson (11) during the McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

SF Josh Jackson, Kansas, FR

Josh Jackson, albeit it not much of a fit with the Sixers, is another incredible athlete with a noteworthy upside that should find his way into the early stages of the lottery next season. Standing at 6’8” with a 6’10” wingspan, he has excellent size for the small forward spot at the next level and is an explosive athlete in space who is capable of pulling off highlight reel plays at almost any given moment.

Offensively, Jackson is a highly fluid player who executes exceptionally well at alternating speeds. He’s a hard cutter who finishes well around the basket and has a nice touch around the basket to compliment his freakish athleticism. He pushes through contact willingly and is among the stronger finishers, if not the strongest, in the draft class, especially from the perimeter. Jackson has a strong feel for the game as well, as he doesn’t overdo it with the ball in his hands and he’s a budding passer who could flourish as a secondary or tertiary playmaker with proper coaching and development. His shooting is his main weakness. His shot isn’t entirely broken, but he has a funky release that could hold him back as his career progresses, especially against NBA competition in the future. That’s something he must work on, but if he improves it, he could become an elite scoring prospect given his other physical gifts.

Defensively, Jackson is another player who is ideally suited to covering multiple positions. He’s quick for his size and can switch onto almost any perimeter position, while he could feasibly function as a defender against small ball fours once his frame fills out. He’s a highly dedicated defender and puts out the type of energy that NBA scouts will certainly be enamored with on that side of the ball.

Alongside his shooting, one disadvantage that DraftExpress noted that is worth keeping an eye on is his attitude. He has a tendency to, at times, be “outwardly demonstrative” towards his teammates according to Mike Schmitz, something that should be carefully watched by NBA executives and fans alike as he builds up his credentials for the NBA level of play.

"“Josh Jackson’s measurements are virtually identical to the numbers he’s posted over the last two years. He isn’t freakishly long, but otherwise has prototypical size for a wing at the next level to go along with outstanding overall athleticism. His ability to pack muscle onto his frame will be a point of interest moving forward as he remains on the skinny side.” -DraftExpress"

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