NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 30 prospects in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Isaiah Jackson (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /

2021 NBA Draft: 29. Isaiah Jackson compares to Nerlens Noel

It’s all about defense for former Kentucky big man Isaiah Jackson. With no real offensive game to speak of, Jackson averaged only 8.4 points per game this past season.

Seldom would his Kentucky teammates dump the ball down low to him. Simply put, Jackson doesn’t have any moves with his back to the basket and he also isn’t a jump shooter either. Jackson is an old school defensive-minded player. In only 20.8 minutes a night, he grabbed 6.6 boards and blocked 2.6 shots per game.

Jackson’s closest NBA comparison today is Nerlens Noel. Although he was drafted number six overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, Noel never quite developed into the player many were hoping for. The injuries, of course, took their toll on him. But regardless of that, Noel was simply never going to be a back to the basket presence. Even now, after spending so many years in the league, his offensive game is anemic.

Once NBA general managers accepted Noel for who he is, he became a valuable player. He isn’t a 30 minute a night sort of guy and with the NBA geared more toward racking up points, Noel is oftentimes left out of the rotation. But when he’s called upon, he steps in and plays his role well.

Jackson will be almost a carbon copy to Noel. If you throw him the ball in the low post and expect him to score, you’ll be disappointed. If, however, you play to his strengths and allow him to defend, rebound and catch the occasional lob, NBA teams will love him.