Sacramento Kings: 5 options for pick No. 2 in 2018 NBA Draft

3. Jaren Jackson Jr.

If there was a perfect big man to complement Cauley-Stein in this draft, Jaren Jackson Jr. from Michigan State University is that guy. Jackson is a great athlete with size and speed that allows him to switch on the perimeter and stick with guards or wings when switched onto them.

Offensively, Jackson is a pick-and-pop big that does the little things well, such as cutting and screening. He averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in his lone season at MSU. His game is limited at this point in his career, but having a player that can space the floor and improve their defense is something the Kings need.

I spoke briefly about his defense, but omitted his greatest skill: shot-blocking. Jackson averaged 3.0 blocks per game and is a great rim protector that can form a dominating interior duo with Cauley-Stein or hold the paint down when he’s at the 5.

Jackson is a raw prospect, but his intangibles and baseline skill-set are more than enough to be worthy of a top-three pick in the NBA Draft. If his shot and offensive game improves as it’s expected, the Kings would be getting a modern big man that can impact the game on both sides of the ball.