Jaren Jackson Jr.: 2018 NBA Draft player profile
By Connor Harr
Overall outlook
Overall, I came away very impressed with Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s the most NBA-ready defender in the class and may match Mohamed Bamba in defensive upside. The defensive aspects of team defense, rim protection and switch ability on the perimeter make him a top prospect solely on those qualities.
The flashes of offensive growth are what solidify Jackson as a top-three prospect in an extremely top-heavy draft class. If he can grow in the ball screen game as a rim-runner when his frame develops, he’s already a double-digit scorer in the NBA.
The real grey area is Jackson’s jump shot. Personally, I believe that Jackson can knock down open 3s, but will not be able to generate any other ways to score points with his jump shot. If Jackson can make his 3-point shot consistently to generate a real closeout, his ball-handling ability and long strides should allow him to get to the rim in straight line drives, where he can finish with either hand. He might even be able to eventually make quality passes off his drives with the court vision he flashes.
I spent extra time watching Jaren Jackson Jr. solely because after every game, he left me wanting more. Every time he delivered with something new. I have not enjoyed a film study this much, other than watching Luka Doncic.
Next: Marvin Bagley III draft profile
Jackson may not be an immediate high level contributor, but his upside is through the roof. He also may not put up the scoring numbers that other big men prospects like Bagley or DeAndre Ayton will. In contrast, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defense will immediately contribute to winning basketball, which is far more valuable.