Ranking every Philadelphia 76ers player on the 2018-19 roster
17. Demetrius Jackson
Jackson enters the 2018-19 season on his second two-way contract with the Sixers. He essentially has 45 NBA games to prove his worth, something that will be difficult given the current roster situation.
Simply put, the outlook isn’t great.
Once a five-star recruit at Notre Dame, Jackson slipped to 45th on draft night in 2016. After fizzing out in Boston, he has bounced around the G-League and NBA, with his most recent stint coming in Philadelphia. We haven’t seen much to suggest he’ll break out next season.
A lackluster defender and inefficient scorer, Jackson doesn’t fill a useful role in the modern NBA. He doesn’t space the floor, nor does he playmake for others at a high level. His athleticism and slashing is tantalizing in flashes, but he doesn’t bring the skill level needed to contribute on a consistent basis.
He’ll ride the Sixers’ bench again next season, only seeing the floor during absolute blowouts. He only played in three games during his tenure with the Sixers last season, and there’s no reason to expect an increase in playing time or workload this season.
With Ben Simmons patrolling the point guard spot, Markelle Fultz on the come up and T.J. McConnell providing valuable minutes in the playoffs, the Sixers are set when it comes to lead guards. Jackson doesn’t provide value in any one area that those three can’t exceed.
He’s talented enough to make it in the NBA, but that doesn’t always equate to success. If he does find success, it probably won’t be in Philadelphia.