NBA Draft 2017: Pro comparisons for prospects

Josh Jackson, G/F – Kansas

Comparison: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (athleticism, versatility), Andrew Wiggins (offensive potential)

More than perhaps any other prospect — or at least elite prospect — for the 2017 NBA Draft, it’s hard to pigeon-hole Josh Jackson into being like one pro player. There are elements of what the Kansas product does that remind you of other players, but there are other aspects of his game that don’t fit the bill for whatever comparison. Thus, taking the hybrid approach to finding a comparison for him is really the only acceptable route to take.

One comparison that gets thrown around that’s only partially applicable is that of another Kansas product, Andrew Wiggins. When you look at the offensive game of Jackson, you see where that comes in. Watching Jackson on the offensive end of the floor, it doesn’t take a great leap of faith to imagine him being a versatile all-around scorer. He can attack and score at will when slashing. However, his jumper and his ball-handling both leave a bit to be desired. That’s the same M.O. that Wiggins had when coming out of Lawrence.

However, Wiggins was an other-worldly athlete and, though Jackson is athletic, I don’t think he’s on that level quite as much. What’s more, I think Jackson is a better and more versatile defender than Wiggins was. That’s where we bring Michael Kidd-Gilchrist into the equation. Though a great athlete in his own right, he’s not on the same level as Wiggins. What he does have, however, is the defensive and versatile traits that Jackson possesses. Therefore, the hybrid of those two elements seems the best way to assess Jackson.