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New York Knicks: Top 10 2017 NBA Draft Prospects In The NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) drives against Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) drives against Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Justin Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward
Age: 21 (3/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 193 pounds, 6’10.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .444/.377/.743
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.6 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.6 3PM

Justin Jackson has been doing in 2016-17 what most expected him to do during his freshman and sophomore seasons. As a junior, he’s developed into one of the most well-rounded scoring threats in the country on one of the best teams in college basketball.

The New York Knicks don’t necessarily need a small forward who’s of a score-first mentality, but Jackson could be an intriguing player to develop behind Carmelo Anthony.

Jackson has developed into an elite 3-point shooter, which is the most significant development of his career. After he made 35 3-point field goals on 29.2 percent shooting in 2015-16, he’s converted 90 3-point field goals on 37.7 percent shooting in 2016-17.

Jackson has the size, length, and athleticism to be a dynamic slasher at the next level, but it’s his outside shot that will define his future.

If Jackson can consistently knock down the 3-ball in the NBA, he could develop into an 18-to-20 points per game type of contributor. Though his future as a productive scorer is far from guaranteed, the upside is undoubtedly intriguing.

Anthony has a guaranteed season and a player option remaining on his contract, but Jackson has upside that New York could explore long-term.

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