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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 12: The Lakers keep their pick

By Chris Stone

Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
five freshman guards posting a steal rate better than two percent and a block rate better than three percent is Kansas’ Josh Jackson. At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, the freshman is one of the best wing defenders in the 2017 draft class. He combines great athleticism and good basketball instincts with an aggressiveness that can be matched by very few other prospects. Jackson is an excellent weak side rim protector and plays well in passing lanes, often jumping in them to help create transition opportunities.

His offensive game is still developing, but Jackson is an excellent creator. He is averaging 4.3 assists per 40 minutes this season and is often capable of imposing himself on defense by penetrating into the lane for shots at the rim or trips to the foul line. The problem for the 19-year old is that he struggles to take what the defense gives him on this end of the floor. Jackson has incredibly awkward and inconsistent shooting mechanics. His inability to knock down 3-pointers — he’s made just 11 of his 43 attempts this season — has caused Big 12 defenses to sag off him to the point that his ability to attack the rim has been more limited in conference play. While Jackson is getting to the foul line at a high rate, he is making just 47.1 percent of his 2-pointers during that time frame.

For the Lakers, adding Jackson means having some interchangeable pieces on the wing. A potential setup that involves playing him alongside Brandon Ingram at the two forward spots with D’Angelo Russell at the point is a nice core to build around for the future.

Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.

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Josh Jackson

SF, Kansas

Along with Markelle Fultz, one of the other five freshman guards posting a steal rate better than two percent and a block rate better than three percent is Kansas’ Josh Jackson. At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, the freshman is one of the best wing defenders in the 2017 draft class. He combines great athleticism and good basketball instincts with an aggressiveness that can be matched by very few other prospects. Jackson is an excellent weak side rim protector and plays well in passing lanes, often jumping in them to help create transition opportunities.

His offensive game is still developing, but Jackson is an excellent creator. He is averaging 4.3 assists per 40 minutes this season and is often capable of imposing himself on defense by penetrating into the lane for shots at the rim or trips to the foul line. The problem for the 19-year old is that he struggles to take what the defense gives him on this end of the floor. Jackson has incredibly awkward and inconsistent shooting mechanics. His inability to knock down 3-pointers — he’s made just 11 of his 43 attempts this season — has caused Big 12 defenses to sag off him to the point that his ability to attack the rim has been more limited in conference play. While Jackson is getting to the foul line at a high rate, he is making just 47.1 percent of his 2-pointers during that time frame.

For the Lakers, adding Jackson means having some interchangeable pieces on the wing. A potential setup that involves playing him alongside Brandon Ingram at the two forward spots with D’Angelo Russell at the point is a nice core to build around for the future.

Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.

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