Ultimate Upside Comparison: Tracy McGrady
Safe Upside Comparison: Andre Iguodala
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 20 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 203 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .513/.378/.566
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.0 3PM
The possibility that seems to be ignored leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft is that Markelle Fultz wasn’t No. 1 on Danny Ainge’s board. Lonzo Ball not working out for the Boston Celtics ensures he wasn’t No. 2, which means Ainge could get their top target at No. 3 overall.
The working theory around the NBA is that the player whom Boston is most interested in selecting is Kansas Jayhawks swingman Josh Jackson.
Jackson has the size and athleticism to play either shooting guard or small forward at 6’8″ with a 6’9.75″ wingspan. He’s an excellent rebounder, a willing and capable facilitator, and an explosive athlete who may be the best on-ball defender in this draft class.
It’s also possible that the Celtics will go with a point guard, namely De’Aaron Fox or Dennis Smith Jr., but Jackson makes sense here.
Jaylen Brown is promising, but Jackson has the tools to be an elite player sooner than later. His jump shot and general scoring instincts will need to improve, but Jackson’s work ethic has been heralded throughout his career.
If they aren’t destined to play together, then Brown could also be an attractive trade piece to acquire a genuine star.
My personal pick would be a point guard, but Boston following a different path seems plausible. It may also be beneficial to the New York Knicks in the end.