2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 25: Lakers at No. 1, Knicks at No. 2
By Chris Stone
Josh Jackson
SF, Kansas
Draft status: In with an agent
How about a homecoming facilitated by the NBA Draft? Kansas wing Josh Jackson spent his first two years of high school playing in Detroit prior to moving to Napa, CA to finish his prep career. With the Detroit Pistons taking a massive jump in the lottery, they land the freshman at No. 3 in a move that should help on both ends of the floor.
Jackson is a solid offensive piece who can attack off of the bounce and has solid court vision. His ability to make plays from the wings is rare and prized in the modern NBA. The 20-year old also made 37.8 percent of his 3s this season, but his awkward shooting motion and poor free throw shooting cast doubts on how well he’ll translate to the NBA 3-point line. If he can be an even reasonable 3-point shooter at the next level, he’ll be a positive offensive player.
On the other end, Jackson has the size and attitude needed to be a versatile defender. He rebounds well for his position and averaged 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes at Kansas. Jackson is good at contesting shots from the weak side and smart about jumping into passing lanes to create turnovers.