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Sacramento Kings: 5 goals for Justin Jackson’s rookie season

By Max Holm

SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 24: The Sacramento Kings 2017 Draft Pick Justin Jackson speaks to the media on June 24, 2017 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 24: The Sacramento Kings 2017 Draft Pick Justin Jackson speaks to the media on June 24, 2017 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Vince Carter #15 of the Sacramento Kings is seen at the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers on July 10, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Vince Carter #15 of the Sacramento Kings is seen at the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers on July 10, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Lean on Vince Carter and the Kings’ veterans

While Jackson is 22 years old and far older than most rookies, he’s still a rookie. That means veterans matter. While the Kings threw a questionable amount of money at Zach Randolph and George Hill, they added superb veterans. The addition of Vince Carter creates a positive culture and accountability that’s been lacking in Sacramento.

Every rookie should have good veterans to lean on. Not falling into a nurturing environment where you can be pushed but also looked after is vital. Look at the Chicago Bulls and their young core. Aside from maybe Robin Lopez, and a disgruntled Dwyane Wade, who may want out, those players don’t have as many guys to show them the way.

We can argue all day about veterans and cap space, but the Kings brought in three exceptional professionals to rub off on their young core. While Hill is certainly a good veteran too, he likely will give a lot of attention to De’Aaron Fox and the other guards.

That means Jackson, who can obviously still talk to Hill, should make the most of his interactions with Randolph, and especially Carter. Interestingly enough, Carter may be the only guy capable of manning the small forward spot besides Jackson. Carter and Jackson have the same alma mater and form a perfect match of mentor and rookie.

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