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New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Targets Who Aren’t Point Guards

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 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) brings the ball up court as North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) defends in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) brings the ball up court as North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) defends in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (3/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 193 pounds, 6’10.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .447/.380/.733
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.7 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 3PM

Of the projected lottery picks, no player has been more impressive during the 2017 NCAA Tournament than Justin Jackson. The North Carolina Tar Heels star has not only stepped up as a scorer, but turned heads on the defensive end of the floor.

It’s highly unlikely that the Knicks would consider Jackson with a Top 5 or Top 10 pick, but if New York slides down draft boards, he could be an option.

Jackson is a projected lottery pick who took the advice he received at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine and turned it into a breakout season. That’s a testament to his work ethic, character, and how coachable a player he is.

That combination, as well as his physical gifts and offensive skill set, offer reason to believe that the Tar Heels star could sneak into the Top 10.

During his first two seasons at North Carolina, Jackson made a combined 63 3-point field goals on 29.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc. As a junior, however, he’s converted 101 3-point field goals on 38.0 percent shooting from distance.

It may be fair to be skeptical of the legitimacy of Jackson’s improved shooting touch, but his work ethic and recent improvements on defense create reason for intrigue.

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