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2017 NBA Mock Draft: What if the Lakers don’t take Lonzo Ball?

By Chris Stone

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) looks to drive against Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) looks to drive against Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Justin Jackson at The Step Back.

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Justin Jackson

SF, North Carolina

The Detroit Pistons will have a couple of directions they can go with this pick on draft night. The way that the order has fallen so far makes Gonzaga big man Zach Collins a potentially attractive choice, but with Andre Drummond already in the fold, it’s not a great fit given the NBA is moving away from systems with two big men and when drafting at No. 11, you’d like to land something a bit more valuable than someone who projects to be a backup on your current roster.

That’s why North Carolina’s Justin Jackson slots in here. Not only does Jackson project to be a good scorer at the next level, but he also fills a position of need on the wing, one of the most scarce resources in the modern NBA. As a junior, Jackson’s game expanded out to the 3-point line as his outside shot became the focal point of his offense. He made 37.0 percent of his attempts on a high volume. His 3-point shot also opens up lanes for him to attack in straight line drives where he has an excellent floater to help extend his offense into the mid-range.

Defensively, Jackson is capable of using his length to help contain smaller players, but his slight frame probably positions him best to guard shooting guards and small forwards rather than power forwards.

Learn more about Justin Jackson at The Step Back.