2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery
By Chris Stone
Justin Jackson
SF, North Carolina
With Dennis Smith Jr. in the fold already, the Sacramento Kings use the New Orleans Pelicans’ pick to select North Carolina’s Justin Jackson as the small forward of the future. Kings owner Vivek Ranadive was wooed by Buddy Hield a year ago and Jackson fits that same profile as an efficient, high scoring upperclassman. Jackson is just three inches taller and a better defender.
After declaring for the draft last year, Jackson returned to school and helped lead the Tar Heels to a national championship. He also made some drastic improvements in his game, most notably adding a 3-point shot. Having made worse than 30 percent of his 3s in his first two seasons, it was imperative for Jackson to develop his jumper. He made 37.0 percent of his triples as a junior and more than doubled his number of attempts from behind the arc per 40 minutes. Jackson can also attack a bit off the dribble and uses a nice floater to extend his scoring radius into the mid-range.
The 6-foot-8 wing impressed defensively during the NCAA Tournament as well. Jackson isn’t known for what he brings on that end, but there is some untapped potential given his length.