2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 23: The NBA Playoffs are upon us
By Chris Stone
Jackson’s top end outcome would see him develop into a 6-foot-8 primary initiator from the wing. There are some obvious hurdles, though, including his high turnover rate (18.4 percent) and the need to develop his handle. However, Jackson has shown really nice court vision in transition and if he overcomes those deficits, he would fit one of the rarest archetypes in the modern NBA.
Even if he never reaches his ceiling outcome, Jackson should be an incredibly useful piece on a good team. He is an excellent defender who plays with a competitive streak that is unmatched in the 2017 class. Jackson averaged 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman as well. His passing is a valuable offensive skill and he can get to the rim at a high rate. Jackson needs to improve his shooting mechanics, but did make 37.8 percent of his triples this season.
Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.
" >Josh Jackson
SF, Kansas
Draft status: Undeclared, but expected to declare
The Phoenix Suns have a nearly 20 percent chance of landing the top spot in the 2017 NBA Draft, but their most likely landing spot is No. 2 where they would have a choice to make between UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Kansas wing Josh Jackson. With Jackson ranked second on our big board at The Step Back and the Suns’ biggest need being a wing, the Kansas freshman makes the most sense.
Jackson’s top end outcome would see him develop into a 6-foot-8 primary initiator from the wing. There are some obvious hurdles, though, including his high turnover rate (18.4 percent) and the need to develop his handle. However, Jackson has shown really nice court vision in transition and if he overcomes those deficits, he would fit one of the rarest archetypes in the modern NBA.
Even if he never reaches his ceiling outcome, Jackson should be an incredibly useful piece on a good team. He is an excellent defender who plays with a competitive streak that is unmatched in the 2017 class. Jackson averaged 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman as well. His passing is a valuable offensive skill and he can get to the rim at a high rate. Jackson needs to improve his shooting mechanics, but did make 37.8 percent of his triples this season.