2018 NBA Mock Draft: Way too early edition

As NBA teams continue to downsize, franchises are going to have to find counters. It’s simply not possible for every team to have the best collection of guards and forwards on its roster. One possible counter is to go bigger with a player who can retain similar value to someone smaller, but has deficiencies in other areas.

Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson should be able to bring significant value to an NBA team as an offensive player. He has a skill set that is uncommon for most centers. Jackson has an awkward shooting motion, but has been consistent from behind the 3-point arc, which can open up space in a way similar to a smaller player. He is also capable attacking off the dribble and even has some ability to pass on the move. Jackson probably won’t be a primary offensive piece, but his skill set works well in a team.

Defensively, Jackson’s value is going to be worse than the elite forwards who can roam the perimeter and protect the rim. While he does have a 7-foot-4 wingspan and 9-foot-1 standing reach that should make him a solid rim protector, his ability to defend in space is questionable. Jackson’s ability to defend in space could become a swing skill that dictates how valuable he is in a playoff series.