2017 NBA Draft Profiles: Top Five Small Forwards
By Owen Nelson
2. Josh Jackson
Measurements
Height: 6-8
Weight: 207 lb
Wingspan: 6-10
Stats
Points: 15.7
Assists: 3.1
Rebounds: 6.7
Steals: 1.6
Blocks: 1.2
FG percentage: 49.6
3FG percentage: 32.7
Josh Jackson was the number one high school recruit, according to 247Sports, and came into the year being the number one player on the majority of draft boards. Since arriving in Kansas, Jackson has struggled tremendously with his awkward jump shot, causing his draft stock to take a hit, although not a big hit he’s dropped a few spots.
Jackson’s elite athleticism makes up for his poor shot. Jackson is perhaps the the athletic player in this draft. He can move around the court very easily and smoothly, weave between defenders in the half court. We’ve all seen what Jackson is capable of on the fast break, his frightening speed leading to ferocious dunks, dunks that no defender will want to get in the way of. This athleticism also helps Jackson tremendously defensively, he’s a lockdown defender. Jackson’s movement is key to keeping his match up at bay
Although as a whole, Jackson’s shooting has been his achilles heal, however, as of late it has improved. In his last three games, against Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky, Jackson has gone 8-14 from three. If Jackson can continue this form from beyond the arc then his draft stock will soon rise back up to what it was prior to the season. This little run from three will make NBA teams more willing to take a chance on Jackson.
One surprise of Jackson’s game has been his play-making. He has shown that he can handle the ball and dish it efficiently. Averaging 3.1 assists per 40 minutes is as good as a lot of point guards in college. This is another reason as to why a team will pick him, this versatility is key in todays NBA.