2017 NBA Draft: Top small forwards Chicago Bulls should target
Josh Jackson, Kansas (6-foot-8, 207 pounds)
The top pick of the draft will be a guard, be it Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball. However, if there is a non-guard who could end up as the top pick it could be Jackson.
Jackson was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Conference, averaging 21.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 2.2 steals per 40 minutes. He has good size at 6-foot-8, and his explosiveness is incredible. His game above the rim is excellent and he covers a lot of ground with ease. That helps him be one of the best two-way players in this draft class.
Jackson draws comparisons to Kawhi Leonard for his offensive and defensive skills. At 207 pounds, he still needs to bulk up to Leonard’s 230 so he could play a similarly physical game. He is just 20, though, so he can still pack on the bulk.
Jackson’s stock keeps rising. Many teams fell in love with his game and his potential, and there is serious talk that he may be the top pick of the draft.
Multiple teams have fallen in love w/Josh Jackson. Is perhaps highest upside player in this draft and has a legit shot to go first overall.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 19, 2017
Jackson’s offensive game needs more refinement, but he always finds a way to be productive. He plays well with or without the ball and is a good shooter (55 percent on 2-point shots and 38 percent from beyond the arc). Even so, he needs to work on his mechanics as they differ from shot-to-shot. The key to good shooting is having the same stroke on each shot.
Jackson is a fiery competitor. He is exactly someone the Bulls need if they decide to trade Butler. Trading Butler is the only shot the team has in getting Jackson, as he’ll go within the first five picks. Jackson’s fire comes through on defense. He takes pride on locking down opposing players and covering anyone from 1-4. Additionally, he is unselfish on the court and does whatever he needs to do to help his team win. This is something every team covets in a player.
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Should the Chicago Bulls pull off a major trade and acquire a top-five pick, going with Josh Jackson is certainly a good way to go to start the team’s rebuilding program.