The Fundamental Difference Between Josh Jackson and De’Aaron Fox’s Shooting
Both Josh Jackson and De’Aaron Fox struggled with their jumper last season. That doesn’t make their problems the same for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 2017 NBA Draft is another pivotal moment in The Process‘ progression. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons set to finally share the court next season, this year’s third overall pick could provide the final piece in solving Sam Hinkie’s longstanding and oft-complex puzzle. Assuming that Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball are the first two names called — something that, despite recent reports, feels likely — the Philadelphia 76ers will have a number of options to sift through.
Live Feed
A Royal Pain
Two names that have come up often as of late are Josh Jackson and De’Aaron Fox.
While both talented, Jackson and Fox share one common problem that could limit their fit in Philadelphia — an inconsistent jumper. While Jackson shot at a much higher percentage than Fox, his form showed a more noticeable hitch. Fox struggled with timing, often shooting on the way down and seldom showing the comfort level needed to hit shots on a consistent basis.
And while both prospects have positives that counteract that clear negative, the general consensus is that they’ll inevitably impede the Sixers’ spacing — yet several people are of the belief that both are worth it long term. Many have pointed to their ceilings, dubbing their future projections more important than their immediate dysfunction.
That is, in most cases, the right approach — but that viewpoint does tend to oversimplify the issue. There are definite areas in which both Jackson and Fox help the Sixers, as their defensive prowess and raw athletic tools both offer some semblance of immediate use. But considering their negatives to be of equal severity — and in turn considering their positives in an equal vacuum — overlooks one key attribute that has proven imperative in determining team success in the modern NBA.
Versatility.
Jackson gives the Sixers far more than Fox does, for reasons that may not show up directly in the box score. He’s not a better isolation scorer, nor is he the same playmaker that Fox measured out to be during his yearlong stint as Kentucky’s primary ball handler. But Jackson — at 6-8 with a strong frame and impressive athletic tools — gives the Sixers a player who can do far more on both ends of the court.
More from The Sixer Sense
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Sixers Podcast: Danny Green returns + James Harden bombshell
The issue with Fox’s shooting woes is that he doesn’t contribute as expansively as Jackson does. He’s a better creator in general, but would be relegated to a far smaller impact when placed into the Sixers’ rotation. Fox thrives as the main ball handler, attacking down hill and leveraging his quick first step against slower defenders off the bounce.
He doesn’t show nearly as much promise, though, when working off the ball — something he’d have to do alongside Ben Simmons. He’s not the same slasher that Jackson is, while the majority of his shooting — which was already subpar — came when operating off the dribble, often via pull-ups from mid-range.
The Sixers not only need to avoid heavy doses of mid-range jumpers, but should be looking for players who are more comfortable shooting off the catch. Jackson, if his shot does improve, has shown more promise in that respect.
Fox also lacks the defensive versatility that Jackson boasts — which is perhaps the foremost reason for staving off the Kentucky product. Defensively, Jackson’s combination of size, strength and mobility will allow him to guard one through four with success, a valuable asset for a Sixers team that could be starting Ben Simmons and Robert Covington alongside him.
That would afford Brett Brown three quality defenders with the ability to switch around the court at will — all while sending the bulk of the opposition’s drives towards an elite rim protector in Joel Embiid down low. That allows them to play aggressively while still retaining a safety net on the interior. Fox, albeit a fine defensive prospect, doesn’t have the same benefits.
Related Story: De'Aaron Fox's Fit and Lack Thereof
Weighing in at just 170 pounds, Fox’s strength will be his greatest limitation on the defensive end. He’s a hustle-driven player who has proven himself to be a consistent irritant on the perimeter, but he doesn’t have the positional flexibility needed to cover multiple positions. He’s not strong enough to cover NBA wings and lacks the length needed to defend outside of the backcourt.
For a team like the Sixers — who already have a primary ball handler moving forward — Jackson’s malleability on both ends of the floor should be far more appealing.
It’s a matter of following the trends of today’s league more so than anything else. This is a Sixers team with the defensive core needed to establish long term relevance in the Eastern Conference, while their offensive pieces fit the needs of modernized basketball. They’re a team with the size and multifaceted talents needed to keep pace with teams like Golden State and Cleveland down the road.
Next: Is Josh Jackson the Best Pick At 3? (Roundtable)
Jackson fits that mold.