New York Knicks: Top 5 hybrid forwards in 2018 NBA Draft

Projection: Round 2
Age: 21 (2/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.75″, 229 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .366/.250/.828
Season Averages: 29.2 MPG, 9.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 3PM

Justin Jackson struggled mightily when the Maryland Terrapins attempted to turn him into an offensive focal point. For the fans of statistics and little else, that inevitably resulted in the belief that Jackson’s draft stock should plummet.

The reality with Jackson, however, is that what made him an appealing prospect was never his scoring ability—and thus, it shouldn’t be how we gauge his potential.

Jackson may not reach this exact level of greatness, but he has a lot of Draymond Green in his game. He utilizes his powerful frame and 7’3″ wingspan to overwhelm opponents defensively, switching from 1 to 4 with effectiveness.

Jackson even has the potential to be a small-ball center at the next level, which could prove invaluable to a positionless New York Knicks team.

Offensively, Jackson’s scoring regressed, but he began to display new elements of his game in 2017-18. He appeared to see the floor better as a passer, was more patient and poised at the free throw line, and even played more responsible defense.

If Jackson can stay healthy and get back to his average of 1.4 three-point field goals made on 43.8 percent shooting from 2016-17, he could be a steal in Round 2.