2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set

Here is a taste of the young big men the Mavericks have cycled through since Rick Carlisle took over as coach in 2008: Ryan Hollins, Kris Humphries, Alexis Ajinca, Ian Mahinmi, Yi Jianlian, Brandan Wright, DeJuan Blair, Dwight Powell and finally Nerlens Noel. It’s not even a little bit of a stretch to say Jackson is by far the most talented and exciting of that bunch.

Perhaps the biggest indication of the Mavericks’ struggle to find a productive big is the fact that Tyson Chandler, 29 years old when he first came to town, has been treated as a savior in each of his stints with the team. If Chandler is the key to a championship or to holding your defense together with Monta Ellis ripping it up from within, there’s a fundamental problem.

The Mavericks solved one of their fundamental problems by finally buying into the tank, rebuilding through the draft and targeting young players with upside like last year’s first-round pick, Dennis Smith Jr. They gained ground in the lottery late this season, and nabbing Jackson would make this season a victory.

Jackson has the potential to be the best defensive player in the league because of his rim protection instincts and switchability. He could solve a lot of Dallas’ problems on defense in an instant.