2018 NBA Draft: 6 Players the Atlanta Hawks Could Select 3rd Overall
By Chris Guest
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Perhaps the sole player who could truly challenge Bagley at this spot is Jaren Jackson Jr.out of Michigan State. Though he didn’t put up the monster numbers that Bagley and Ayton did, Jackson’s upside is perhaps the highest of any prospect in the draft (except maybe Doncic).
As one of the youngest players in this draft class (Jackson will still be 18 on draft day), he has plenty of time to develop his skills, which are already at an extremely high level.
On defense, Jackson’s stupendous length and bounce make him a terrifying rim protector at the center position (3 BPG in college), and he also eminently switchable across all 5 positions. Though he is prone to fouling, it is not from a lack of feel but rather and abundance of aggressiveness. When he figures out how to pick his spots, Jackson should be able to smother defenders with alarming size and athleticism.
Offensively, Jackson’s major skill is a versatile jump shot and a ready-made stroke from three-point range, which he employed to the tune of a 39.6% clip from deep on a 41.4% three-point attempt rate in his lone college season.
He also shown an aptitude for scoring efficiently via post-up, and he should also be a threat as a pick-and-roll finisher.
Jackson certainly projects to be the superior defensive player to Marvin Bagley with the 3rd overall pick, so the argument might come down to offense vs. defense when the Hawks make their selection.