Has Josh Jackson already established himself as the top 2017 NBA draft prospect before the college season has even started?
The 2017 NBA draft class is loaded with premium freshman talent mixed in with a few top upperclassmen.
But one has already done enough in some minds to stand out as the clear top prospect in his class.
Enter Josh Jackson.
Jackson has the versatility and athleticism to contribute to an NBA team today. Standing at 6’7″ he has the size to make a difference on both ends of the floor.
Related Story: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots
He’s a freak athlete with a great motor who uses his speed and length to his advantage. Jackson consistently looks to push the ball in transition and get easy buckets on the break.
That’s his best opportunity to score as his jump shot and pull-up games develop.
Jackson is also great at hunting down offensive rebounds to give his team second chances. Having multiple players on the floor who compete with Jackson’s tenacity is a huge advantage for any team.
What most surprising about his offensive game so far is his ability to make plays for himself and others. His handle and court vision are good enough at this stage for him to serve as a secondary playmaker.
Wings who can handle and pass are in high demand, especially in the NBA. Ball movement and halfcourt execution is essential at the next level, and Jackson has the tools to compete and excel in that area of the game.
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
As long as he continues to work on his jump shot and tighten up his release point then there’s no reason to think that he can’t operate as a team’s primary option in due time.
Where Jackson’s motor really shines however is on defense. His competitiveness and willingness to defend remind scouts and executives of a young Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
He doesn’t have the same lateral quickness and overall length of Kidd-Gilchrist, but Jackson doesn’t back down and goes after the toughest cover regardless of position.
He’s all over the floor covering his man, helping on the weak side and going after rebounds and blocked shots. There isn’t a more fierce defender in the 2017 freshman class than Jackson, which will certainly put a smile on Bill Self’s face at Kansas.
While there are other top names who will challenge for No. 1 overall status in next year’s draft such as Harry Giles and Markelle Fultz, none of them have demonstrated the two-way game that Jackson has.
Whether in high school, the McDonald’s All-American Game or other talent showcases, Jackson has looked like the best player on the floor more often than not.
That kind of consistent dominance is what scouts look for, as success over a sustained amount of time is much more meaningful than short spurts and flashes.
More hoops habit: The Biggest Winners And Losers Of Free Agency
Jackson has first overall potential given his most recent performances. Let’s see if he can hold onto his reputation during the upcoming collegiate season.