NBA Mock Draft Pick #3 — Josh Jackson, Small Forward, Kansas
SBNation’s Philadelphia 76ers’ blog Liberty Ballers explains the pick:
With Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball off the board, we're subscribing to the best player available theory. Outside of Fultz I think there's a case to be made for Jackson being the most well-rounded player in this draft class. He passes the ball extremely well for a wing, can attack the rim off the dribble and should be able to defend multiple positions at the next level. There are some concerns with his jumper, but it looked smoother as his freshman season at Kansas went along, and I expect him to become at least an average shooter in the NBA. But outside of the jumper, Jackson has everything the Sixers are looking for: rangy, athletic players that will get up and down the court in a hurry and compete on defense. Jackson will give them all of that, making his selection a relatively easy decision. Plus, a Ben Simmons-Josh Jackson-Robert Covington-Dario Saric-Joel Embiid lineup would be a pretty mesmerizing five-man unit.
Ridiculous Upside Analysis
There’s so many different directions that the 76ers could go with this 3rd overall pick, whether it’s selecting a top-flight point guard prospect (De’Aaron Fox or Dennis Smith) or just simply going with the best player available (Josh Jackson or Jonathan Isaac). Although they still probably need a point guard, Liberty Ballers did a good ob with this selection of Josh Jackson. Aside from Fultz, Jackson might be the most well-rounded player in this year’s draft class due to his ability to contribute in a variety of different ways. From being able to defend multiple positions to being a dynamic cutter, Jackson should be a great fit next to versatile studs like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
Here's our latest video breakdown on Kansas forward Josh Jackson. Corresponding piece coming tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7b2oloITRa
— Ridiculous Upside (@RidicUpside) February 22, 2017
1. Boston Celtics - MARKELLE FULTZ, WASHINGTON
2. Los Angeles Lakers - LONZO BALL, UCLA
3. Philadelphia 76ers - JOSH JACKSON, KANSAS
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