2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round before 2018 NCAA Tournament
player. 38. . Forward/Center. Michigan State Spartans. Jaren Jackson Jr.. 3
Age: 18 (9/15/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 242 pounds, 7’4″
Slash Line: .520/.396/.797
Season Averages: 22.2 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 3.2 BPG
I understand the issue that some may have with this selection, but the Orlando Magic’s wealth of centers has translated to nothing positive. Nikola Vucevic is a good player and Bismack Biyombo can provide some value, but neither have helped establish a winning culture.
If Frank Vogel is still the head coach—and he should be—then the best thing for the Magic to do would be to give him a legitimate interior anchor.
Jackson is an elite shot-blocker and an efficient three-point shooter with the athleticism to become a genuine franchise player. He stands at 6’11” and 242 pounds with a monstrous 7’4″ wingspan and explosive leaping ability.
That alone makes him an intriguing fit for the Magic, as the organization desperately needs a player who can round its defense into form.
Jackson currently ranks No. 5 in the country in block percentage, which is the foundation for his appeal. He’s averaging 1.2 three-point field goals per game on 39.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc and has an underrated ability to take his man off the bounce.
Alongside Aaron Gordon, whose work ethic speaks for itself, Jackson could polish his game and build the single most dynamic interior duo in the NBA.
The New York Knicks should seriously consider trading up for Jackson.