2018 NBA Draft: 5 best prospects at power forward

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 27: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Xfinity Center on December 27, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 27: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Xfinity Center on December 27, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Sam Forencich
Photo by Sam Forencich /

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Michigan State

When it comes to these top-3 guys, it’s very close. They’re in a class of their own. When it comes to Jaren Jackson Jr., he’s the only one who might be best off as a center. And we’re not talking about him as a small-ball center like Justin Jackson. At 6’10” with a 7’4″ wingspan, he wouldn’t really be on the small side.

Similar to Jackson, the intrigue revolves around his 3-point shot. In 19 games in Draft Express’ data base, Jackson connected on 41.6 percent of his attempts, heaving over four per game. That opens up his offensive game and value immensely. Add in his young age for his class and his ability to potentially switch on the perimeter and you see clearly his fit in the NBA.

The tricky side of things for Jackson comes down to his physicality. He needs to get stronger, rebound better and that’ll only help him on the defensive end. Right now he’s all tools on the defensive end, unlike Justin Jackson. He needs polish, but he’s not raw by any means.