The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: New year, new rankings

By Christopher Kline

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State

As somebody I was high on entering the season, Jackson has done nothing but live up to that hype. He’s easily the best prospect on Michigan State, emerging as a high-level defender and a capable stretch-big offensively.

At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Jackson’s length and mobility allows him to cover a lot of ground on the defensive end. He’s perfectly capable of sliding his feet on the perimeter, while he continues to show impressive instincts around the basket.

Jackson also has his shot falling offensively. His mechanics are funky, but the shot has worked since high school. He’s currently shooting 43.2 percent from deep, thriving in pick-and-pops and as the trailing big in transition. Add some fluid post moves to that, and you have a top-seven talent.