6-8 – SF – Kansas
Jackson is a long and quick player who is an exceptional run/jump athlete. He plays with intensity and fire and has all the tools to be a great two-way player at the next level.
Pros
Jackson has good height and overall size for a wing player at 6-8 and he can really play above the rim. He has great quickness and burst and is a well coordinated athlete with good body control and a quick first step. Uses his speed to blow by defenders with the dribble and can really elevate in the lane. He’s a creative scorer who shows great touch around the basket and impressive hang-time.
His length and leaping ability make him a major threat on the fast break and on put-back dunks.
He has a solid mid range game and an ever improving three point shot. Shoots the fade away jumper with good accuracy and nice elevation. Knows how to get his shot and is a natural born basket-getter.
He sees the court well and tends to make the right basketball play. Has a good understanding of the game for a young player, especially on offense, and does a nice job of moving without the ball and creating space on the floor.
Jackson can get his own shot in one on one situations and should/could become a go-to scorer at the NBA level. Does a good job of collapsing the defense with the dribble and finding the open man.
He does a nice job of getting low on defense and plays with active hands. Has good instincts as a weak side shot blocker and help defender. Takes his defensive assignment personally and plays with great competitive fire. Shows a knack for help defense and is a good weak side shot blocker. His size on the perimeter can cause a lot of problems for the opposing offense.
Cons
He needs to improve his ball handling, especially his left hand. Doesn’t yet have the strength to finish through traffic.
Needs to gain maturity (like all youngsters) and continue to grow his understanding of the game. Does he have that alpha dogg mentality?
Needs to add muscle and fill out his frame.
Has a low release on his jumper, which makes it easier for a defender to bother his shot, and he has less-than ideal form on his J.
Doesn’t have elite length, with just a 6-9 wingspan.
Comparisons
Has length and bounce like Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill.
Also reminds of Andrew Wiggins but with a quicker first step, better handles and a slightly smaller frame (more narrow shoulders). He’s probably a step below Wiggins athletically.
Projection: top 5 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft