2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers
By Adam Kester
16. player. 18. . C/PF. Boston Celtics. Isaiah Jackson
2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Boston Celtics finally bolster their frontcourt with Isaiah Jackson
The Celtics may have gotten sniped for Davion Mitchell, but this team is in need of some frontcourt help, and they get some reinforcement with Isaiah Jackson out of the University of Kentucky.
This Celtics team is at what seems like a pivotal spot for their organization. With Danny Ainge out, and Brad Stevens transitioning into the front office, Boston will have to figure out how to both rebound next season and get more young, long-term talent on the team. Drafting Isaiah Jackson is a nice start.
NBA Draft – Isaiah Jackson NBA player comparisons
- Amar’e Stoudemire explosiveness
- Nicholas Claxton
- Nerlens Noel
Isaiah Jackson is a 19-year-old, bouncy power forward/center prospect who very much has the potential to be a powerful rim runner.
He has an enormous 7’5 wingspan. The length combined with the high-end athleticism makes Isaiah Jackson an elite presence in the frontcourt.
On the boards, Jackson looks like he can one day be a 10+ rebounds per game player. He takes good angles and is only going to get better on the glass as he grows into his body.
His weight is going to be the biggest thing people focus on heading into the NBA draft. Jackson is 6’10 but weighs just 206 lbs. That’s what makes him more of a long-term prospect.
He can still play a limited role early on, but for him to grow into a starting big, it”ll take time. He’s a shot-blocker, but far from a strong interior defender. He has a long way to go with his defensive positioning.
On offense as well, he hasn’t flashed much of a post-game or anything off the dribble.
With Jackson, you’re buying into the amazing physical profile and potential a few years from now. This pick could pay off for a Celtics team that needs Jackson’s energy in the paint.