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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 23: The NBA Playoffs are upon us

By Chris Stone

Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dunks the ball in the closing second of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dunks the ball in the closing second of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Justin Jackson at The Step Back.

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Justin Jackson

SF, North Carolina

Draft status: In with an agent

The Milwaukee Bucks made the NBA Playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference in large part because of the emergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, they’ll need to find some rotation pieces to fit with their star that can help take them to the next level.

North Carolina’s Justin Jackson made it official on Thursday by declaring for the draft with the intent to sign an agent. He’s a player who drastically improved his draft positioning after declaring last year before deciding to return to school. Most importantly, Jackson addressed the feedback he received by drastically improving his jump shot. After shooting worse than 30 percent from deep during his first two season, he made 37.0 percent of his 3s as a junior. Importantly, Jackson also increased his performance at the free throw line and hoisted significantly more attempts this season, suggesting that he’s made a more sustained improvement.

Jackson also made some strides defensively, which became apparent during the NCAA Tournament. For example, he used his length to help smother Kentucky’s Malik Monk. He doesn’t make a big impact on the defensive box score and needs to add some strength to battle NBA quality wings, but his natural size will give Milwaukee an interesting tool to work with.
Learn more about Justin Jackson at The Step Back.