NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr.

NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Jaren Jackson Jr.

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. (2) looks to the bench during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship First Round basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Bucknell Bison on March 16, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 19: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high fives JR Smith #5 in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 19, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Kevin Love does a lot of things well for his team, but neither protecting the rim or moving his feet quickly on defense are among them. Acquiring Jackson Jr. would give the Cavaliers a lot more lineup flexibility moving forward.

Think of him as a healthy combination of what Love and Tristan Thompson bring to Tyronn Lue’s lineup. In time, he’ll learn to play physical defense in the post like Thompson. He may already be a better rim protector. Jackson Jr. will almost certainly never be Love’s equal as a shooter, but he could provide the Cleveland offense some spacing.

Jackson Jr. could be a good pick for the Cavs no matter what the future holds for LeBron James. He could help extend the superstar’s window in his home town or help the team rebuild after his potential departure.

The challenge for the Cavaliers will be finding a way to maneuver into a spot where they can hope to acquire Jackson Jr. It’s highly unlikely he’ll last all the way to the No. 8 selection. Cleveland would almost certainly need to move up to grab the former Spartans star. That’s a tricky move considering the team’s lack of resources.

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