NBA Mock Draft: Atlanta Hawks Select Jaren Jackson Jr From Michigan State

NBA Mock Draft Pick #3 — Jaren Jackson Jr., Forward, Michigan State

SBNation’s Atlanta Hawks blog Peachtree Hoops explains the pick:

Atlanta’s dream scenario didn’t fully materialize, with Luka Doncic flying off the board before the Hawks were able to pounce. However, Jackson Jr. is a fantastic consolation prize and one of the best prospects in this class.

In a perfect world, the Hawks need a No. 1 offensive option but Jackson Jr.’s overall package is just too impressive to ignore. He’s the best defensive prospect, Mo Bamba included, in this class and has the propensity to knock down open shots with upside as an offense creator, both in the post and attacking close-outs.

In a different, non-Michigan State system, it is very possible Jackson Jr. would have emerged as a consensus top-3 player in this class and he brings everything to the table that any organization would want in a modern big man.

1. Suns DEANDRE AYTON
2. Kings LUKA DONCIC
3. Hawks JAREN JACKSON
4. Grizzlies MARVIN BAGLEY III
5. Mavs WENDELL CARTER JR.
6. Magic MO BAMBA
7. Bulls MICHAEL PORTER JR.
8. Cavaliers TRAE YOUNG
9. Knicks MIKAL BRIDGES
10. Sixers ZHAIRE SMITH
11. Mavs MILES BRIDGES
12. Clippers SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
13. Magic ELIE OKOBO
14. Nuggets KEVIN KNOX
15. Wizards ROBERT WILLIAMS
16. Suns COLLIN SEXTON
17. Bucks LONNIE WALKER
18. Spurs TROY BROWN
19. Hawks DE’ANTHONY MELTON
20. Wolves KEVIN HUERTER
21. Jazz CHANDLER HUTCHISON
22. Bulls JOSH OKOGIE
23. Pacers KEITA BATES-DIOP
24. Nets GRAYSON ALLEN
25. Lakers AARON HOLIDAY
26. Sixers JACOB EVANS
27. Celtics JEROME ROBINSON
28. Warriors KHYRI THOMAS
29. Blazers DONTE DIVINCENZO
30. Hawks MELVIN FRAZIER