Dear NBA, Get Ready For An Infusion Of Elite Talent

Josh Jackson, 6’8″ 205, Swingman, Prolific Prep (CA)

Josh Jackson has the type of run and jump athleticism that confirms my individual beliefs that God indeed did not create all men equal.

Standing at 6’8″, equipped with a 6’10” wingspan and an 8’10” standing reach, Jackson has the brand of length and raw athletic gifts that makes every scout in the country salivate. But, unlike your run-of-the-mill raw specimen, the Southfield, MI, native also plays with an unmatched motor and level of competitiveness, to go along with a rather strong handle and prodigious natural instincts.

JJ can be described as Andrew Wiggins after downing two cups of coffee and a handful of Adderall.

Before you scoff at such a comparison, Jackson is unequivocally a comparable athlete.

Although, of the two, Wiggins may be a bit longer, has the more explosive first step, and bouncier than the gangly 18-year-old as high school seniors, Jackson, alternatively, has the better body control, is the more accomplished one-footed leaper, and is the more fluid athlete.

Thus, I find it quite puzzling — especially, when taking into account his jaw-dropping athleticism, play-style, and skill-set — the utter lack of hype and recognition Jackson gets in contrast to the commotion Wiggins received as an amateur.

However, if this summer serves as any indication, all of that may be changing. Specifically, upon capturing gold at the U19 World Championships alongside Giles and Tatum, Jackson also won the Under Armour Association travel circuit MVP, averaging over 18.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

He would then cap off his run by earning MVP honors at the Big Stick Classic (where he dropped 50 points in the process) while seizing the Slam Dunk title and the Co-MVP at the Elite 24 Showcase.

On the court, Jackson plays with a permanent chip on his shoulder and an unrelenting competitive spirit. He’s also an incredible fast-twitched athlete capable of serving as a chameleon of sorts.

Most notably, with team USA, JJ took on the role as the team’s energizer and utility man — guarding multiple positions, creating havoc in the passing lanes, flying over for weakside blocks, crashing the glass, and scoring without having any plays called for him.

However, during the high school and AAU seasons, Jackson assumes a more ball-dominant role — weaving through traffic in transition, knocking down pull-up threes, and slithering his way towards the hoop. His ballhandling, while erratic, is extremely effective. When given space at the top of the key, he can break his man down with the greatest of ease, thanks in large to his vast array of change-of-direction and stop-and-go moves.

His jumpshot, although not photogenic by any means, is more polished than one would anticipate. He gets plenty of bounce and balance, to go along with a rather fluid stroke, when shooting, either, off the dribble or off of the catch. In addition, his range ventures out all the way out to the NBA three-point line.

However, consistency and shot selection are glaring issues. When taking prudent outside shots, Jackson converted on over 50 percent of his three-percent attempts at the U19s. Conversely, when given free reigns to run wild, JJ only made 26.4 percent of his threes — despite shooting 51 percent overall from the field — during the Under Armour Association (UAA) circuit.

More puzzlingly, he’s also an apathetic free throw shooter, converting on only 61 percent at the U19s and 45 percent at the UAAs. Going forward, working on a higher release will be paramount in his efforts to curate shots against NBA-caliber athletes.

His competitiveness, while serving as an indomitable strength, can also consume the young neophyte and act as a major impediment. More explicitly, he has a tendency of giving us his best DeMarcus Cousins impression when things aren’t going his way — barking at the refs, getting overemotional with his teammates/coaches, displaying symptoms of toxic body language, and will even resort to physical violence  (i.e. shoving opponent into ground) when a smaller defender really gets into him.

In addition, he can get terribly out of control, at times, especially when playing in a pit of rage — barreling into a sea of defenders while trying to split through a tight-knitted barricade that even Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving would have trouble navigating.

Like Wiggins at the same stage, Jackson still very much has an underdeveloped frame. As such, he doesn’t always finish with authority around the rim, despite his otherworldly athleticism.

All in all, however, JJ is a special wing prospect with every distinct element you would want when creating an ideal contemporary two guard. His ability to channel some his dark, pent-up energy, as well as refining his overall skill-set, will determine whether he’s the second coming of Kobe Bryant or just a bouncier Lance Stephenson.

Next: Jayson Tatum