Fansided

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

By Rucker Haringey

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 1: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks walks to the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 98-87. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 1: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks walks to the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 98-87. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki /

3. Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki is likely entering the last year of his NBA career. It’s time for the Mavericks to give serious thought about who will replace the German in the future.

Jackson Jr. is certainly a different player than Nowitzki, but the two do play the same position. That gives him a chance to be the Mavericks’ pick if he is available at the No. 5 selection. He would give Rick Carlisle a versatile, rim-protecting defender that could anchor the Mavericks defense for years to come.

On offense, Jackson Jr.’s shooting ability would still keep the floor relatively open for Dennis Smith to drive to the rim. The former Michigan State star could also develop into a nice rim runner for Carlisle and company. It’s not his forte at the moment, but he has the athleticism to do it at a high level.

Dallas’ potential interest in Jackson Jr. will be strongly linked to whether or not the team elects to sign a big man in free agency. If the Mavericks spend big on DeAndre Jordan, picking Jackson Jr. doesn’t make a lot of sense. If they try to bring Julius Randle back home to Texas, selecting Jackson Jr. will remain in play.

Going from Tom Izzo to Rick Carlisle would give Jackson Jr. a terrific basketball education. Keep an eye on this connection depending on the moves Dallas wants to make in free agency.

Home/NBA Draft