Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Draft, Suns, Josh Jackson, Lakers
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the first half against the UC Davis Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Jackson

Forward, Kansas

Danny Ainge took a big risk in passing on Markelle Fultz, but decided to trade the top pick for the third selection and another high draft pick from either the Lakers or Kings. With that third pick, Boston will take Josh Jackson, a player that they were rumored to have fancied over Fultz in the first place. By taking Jackson, Ainge gets the player that he wanted anyway, but also gains extra assets to deal for a superstar player to place alongside Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. The Celtics also will have a much easier time getting to max cap space since the salary on the third pick is about $1.4 million lower than what Fultz will get.

In Jackson, you have probably the highest ceiling in the draft. He is already an excellent perimeter defender at any level, and has the athletic tools to become a go-to scorer if he fixes his jump shot. The Celtics have always gone after players like Jackson, and will continue to build their team with fierce competitors that offer versatility on both ends of the floor. Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Avery Bradley are just a few examples of players on the team now that have those same traits.

Jackson will be able to contribute on the defensive end right away, and has the basketball IQ necessary to pick his spots on offense and still be effective while he continues to work on his shot. There is a likelihood that this pick gets traded as well, but Jackson is the likely choice due to his ability to contribute now in key areas that the Celtics need, and has the potential to be a two-way superstar.

— Michael DePrisco, Hardwood Houdini, @HoudiniCeltics