2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“When watching Kansas play, it’s evident that Jackson is far from the focal point of their offense. It’s a guard-heavy regime spearheaded by far more experienced pieces in the backcourt, which often limits the extent to which we see Jackson produce. But, with that said, there are always a handful of moments each game where Jackson simply transcends above everyone else on the court.

He’s that type of a transcendent athlete on the wing, and combines that with an thoroughly-impressive skill set…

Jackson couples that with impressive passing ability for a player of his size. While I wouldn’t label him an as outright point forward, his vision when pushing the break — as well as in the pick-and-roll — is something that rarely manifests itself in top tier wing prospects.

We’ve seen Brandon Ingram running the point on occasion for the Lakers this season. Jackson could almost assuredly do so at an even higher level. What really pushes Jackson over the proverbial hump, however, is his defense.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.

Outside Opinion:

“At 6-foot-8, Jackson has the potential to be an outlier in two areas that make him an attractive NBA prospect. For starters, Jackson is already a really good on-ball defender with the upside of being a versatile option who can guard 1-4 at the next level. He moves well laterally, has quick hands and possesses excellent athleticism. The downside to Jackson on defense is that he occasionally falls asleep away from the ball and can allow his man to get free for open looks. That is hopefully something that will improve over time.

Jackson also has the ability to be a great creator from the wing. He’s shown tremendous passing skills this season en route to averaging 4.0 assists per 40 minutes. He has good vision and awareness when it comes to finding teammates both from a standstill and on the move. He’s at his best driving to his left and finishing at the rim or with a crafty floater. Jackson’s poor outside shooting is a bit of a limiting factor, but his ability to create shots for himself and his teammates is a unique skill for a player on the wing.” — Chris Stone in FanSided’s NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14.

Team Fit:

The Lakers, with Fultz and Ball off the board here, jump on a payer that fits incredibly well with Luke Walton’s system in Jackson. With a handful of playmakers already gracing the backcourt in D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson — for now — alongside Brandon Ingram on the wing, Jackson could give the Lakers an impressive amount of rotational flexibility.

They have multiple players who can initiate the offense in this scenario (Russell, Clarkson, Ingram, Jackson), as well as a big man who can handle the ball in small ball scenarios with Julius Randle. If Walton is looking to build Los Angeles in the same mold as Golden State, Jackson would certainly be a massive step in that direction.

That, coupled with the elite defensive potential of Jackson and Ingram at the forward spots, is enough for the Lakers to take him without any qualms at the third spot.