School: Michigan State
Stats: 10.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.5 apg
Measurables: 6-11, 242 pounds pf
Classification: Freshman
Projected Draft Range: Top 7
Strengths:
- Good athleticism
- Impressive wingspan and length
- Fluid movement
- Finishes well around the rim
- Demonstrates impressive second effort skills
- Protects the rim well
- Shows good defensive IQ
- Elite shot blocker
- Knows his role on the court
- Rebounds the ball well
- Effective at drawing fouls
- Has shown the ability to pick and pop well
- Good court vision
- Decent 3-point shooter
Weaknesses:
- Raw post moves needs to be improved
- Needs to learn to handle double teams better
- Lacks patience in certain shot situations
- Has to add strength to his frame
- Turnover prone in traffic
Summary: Jaren Jackson is safest prospect in all the draft according to most experts and is my pick for the sixth best prospect in the draft. He has all the skills to be the perfect mold of big man which are the new wave for the league. He can do a little bit of everything and has great fundamentals, but he's not necessarily the most 'sexy pick' in the draft and that is why he will not be picked top three.
NBA Player floor: Myles Turner
NBA Player ceiling: Al Horford
Looking at the Tape
Here, you can see Jackson's elite situational defensive awareness and length as he steals the ball away from the player without even looking at the passer.
In this play, Jackson tries to back down the defense which leads into him running into a double team and having a turnover. It shows how Jackson needs to more aware of surroundings and more importantly, learn how to deal with double teams more effectively.
Highlights: