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Sixers NBA Draft Prospect Breakdown: Josh Jackson

By Tyler Monahan

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that the Sixers have the number 3 pick in the NBA Draft it is time to look at some of the potential picks. One of the players linked to he team recently has been Josh Jackson, the highly athletic small forward out of the University of Kansas.

With so many options for the Sixers with the third pick they have a chance to draft a true game changer. One player who many believe has the highest ceiling in the draft and should be available when the Sixers are on the clock is University of Kansas star Josh Jackson.

After leading his team to the Elite Eight, Jackson immediately became one of the top names declaring for the draft. With the team in need of an elite scorer to pair with Joel Embiid, Jackson fits that mold and has many other pros, along with cons that could affect the Sixers should they draft him.

Pros

-Strength: The one ability that separates Jackson from the rest of the draft class is his pure strength. At 6’8″, 207 pounds Jackson isn’t the biggest small forward, but it allows him to play shooting guard as well, creating mismatches. While the Sixers do need a shooter a primary scorer should be their top priority and Jacksons ability to drive to the hoop and convert tough baskets is what this low scoring team needs.

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-Explosiveness: A big part of Jackson’s game relies on his ability to not only drive through the lane but also make explosive plays that others cannot. Known for highlight dunks and great speed, his athletic ability is the reason why many see Jackson as a game changing player is because of the threat of these explosive plays.

-Defense: Explosive plays not only help Jackson on the offensive side of the ball but also the defensive side. Being able to defend three positions helps him create chaos where his quick hips and fast hands allow him to steal the ball along with blocking shots.

Cons

-Shooting: While Jackson’s jump shot isn’t broken it also isn’t the knock down shot that the Sixers desperately need. Averaging 16.3 points in college is impressive but most of these were from drives to the lane. The 37.8% Jackson shot from behind the arc is above the NBA average of 35.8% he will have a tougher time making these in the NBA against tougher competition.

Shooting might be one of his weaker areas right now, but constant work on his quick release form can change Jackson from a streaky shooter to a player who can knock down shots with ease.

-Foul trouble: In his only year at the University of Kansas, Jackson had a knack for putting his team in a bad position by getting into foul trouble often. Having fouled out of four games and having had three or more fouls in 23 of 35 games played doesn’t translate well over to the NBA. He is at his best when slashing through the lane for acrobatic finishes, not when sitting on the bench due to foul trouble.

Next: Sixers: Risks of trading back in the 2017 NBA Draft

Josh Jackson has mouth watering potential to be a top tier player in the NBA, which is one of the reasons why he could fit well with the Sixers. Only time will tell if the team believes Jackson is the piece the team is missing, but creating a “Big 3” of Jackson, Embiid, and Ben Simmons might be too much to pass up on.

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