5 Upperclassmen to Watch in the 2017 NBA Draft Class
SF Justin Jackson, North Carolina
The Philadelphia 76ers still need to get deeper on the wing in the minds of many, and Justin Jackson could be an ideal route to take if they want to do so. As someone who was projected as a top 20 pick by some in the early stages of the season before a somewhat underwhelming showing in 2016, Jackson has the tools necceistated to excel as a perimeter scorer at the next level.
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Jackson was one of the more polished small forwards at the 2015 Nike Hoops Summit according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, and he displayed his aptness on the offensive side of the ball all year long for North Carolina, despite his struggles. Standing at 6-8 and just 193 pounds, strength is obviously a concern for Jackson.
He has a long, slender build that aids him in a number of areas, but still gives reason for concern as he eventually will compete against some of the most impressive athletes in the world when facing off with perimeter threats in the NBA.
Basketball I.Q. is arguably the most impressive part about Jackson’s game when watching from afar. He’s a highly mobile athlete who handles well for his size and sees the floor extremely well. He won’t run an offense like a Ben Simmons, or, on a lesser known scale, this year’s 21st overall pick DeAndre Bembry, but he moves the ball decisively and on target, with a knack for creating some nice dimes on occasion.
In addition to his I.Q., Jackson is a fluid scoring threat. He finishes well around the rim and has excellent touch around the basket. He’s somewhat reminiscent of a poor man’s Kevin Durant in terms of how he positions himself when driving down the lane, but takes a massive hit in production when he ventures beyond the arc. The touch that seems to characterize his game from the interior quickly disipates, as his awkward mechanics and uncanny stiffness are something teams will have to iron out at the next level.
Defensively, Jackson’s struggles are counteracted by some solid potential. He has the length and awareness to get into passing lanes and kick-start possessions going to other way, but lacks the strength and experience to do so at a high clip right away. He’ll get bullied by the stronger threes at the next level early on, but should improve as his frame fills out, assuming it does.
He doesn’t fill any massive holes in the Sixers’ rotation at the moment, but could certainly play a viable role in improving the team’s offensive firepower, especially if his shooting touch improves from 3-point range. He’s a versatile scoring option who could work well off of the pieces Brett Brown currently has in place, and has the intelligence to fit into whatever system that Philly would inevitably put him into. He’s someone who projects well as a team-oriented scorer with a high defensive upside, and is someone that could be a reasonable selection in the later stages of the first round, or even early in the second depending on how his upcoming junior season plays out.
Next: 3. Allen