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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 24: Time to randomize the lottery!

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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North Carolina
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) cuts the net after the win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 71-65. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-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 Portland Trail Blazers don’t look like a team yet ready to compete in the Western Conference, but adding an experienced wing with good size and scoring ability can’t hurt their chances of doing so in the future. North Carolina’s Justin Jackson averaged 22.8 points per 40 minutes this season on a 55.5 true shooting percentage.

Jackson declared for the draft last year, but ultimately came back to school to work on his game. He made extreme strides as a shooter raising his 3-point percentage from 29.4 percent as a sophomore to 37.0 as a junior. He also massively increased his number of attempts, more than doubling his total from last season. Jackson’s free throw percentage also improved to 74.8 percent in 2016-17. Outside of his shooting, he has a top notch floater game that extends well into the mid-range. He probably won’t ever be a primary creator, but attacking in straight lines is certainly in play.

At 6-foot-8, Jackson should provide some value on defense if only because his length can be a disruptive force against smaller opponents. He helped smother Malik Monk in North Carolina’s Elite Eight matchup with Kentucky, for example.

Learn more about Justin Jackson at The Step Back.