2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves
By Chris Stone
Josh Jackson
SF, Kansas
Draft status: In with an agent
If the Boston Celtics (via the Brooklyn Nets) fall to the No. 3 pick, they could be in a bit of an odd position. Kansas wing Josh Jackson will widely be viewed as the best prospect on the board, but his skill set is somewhat repetitive with Jaylen Brown, the wing the Celtics drafted last summer. Perhaps long-term Jackson and Brown could co-exist as a forward combination with plenty of versatility, something we’ll bet on happening here rather than sending someone like Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac to Boston.
The key to that plan working — and likely the key to Jackson’s upside as an NBA prospect — revolves around how well the Kansas freshman shoots it from outside. Although he made 37.8 percent of his 3-point attempts this season, his mechanics are flawed and his free throw percentage is a disaster. Those two things don’t bode well for Jackson’s transition, but his work ethic and good 3-point percentage in college are a plus.
Otherwise, Jackson’s game is very good. He has potential as a secondary creator on offense who presents some intriguing options as a screen setter who could attack in 4-on-3 situations. Defensively, he has the athleticism and mindset to be a pest in isolation. He’ll need to improve his off-ball awareness, but in general succeeded sort of playing free safety at Kansas with the ability to jump passing lanes and protect the rim from the weak side.