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NBA Comparison: Josh Jackson

By Michael James

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) fights for position defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Davon Dillard (24) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) fights for position defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Davon Dillard (24) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hardwood Houdini Pro Comparisons

Josh Jackson is one of the top players expected to be in the 2017 NBA Draft. At Kansas, Jackson has averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds on one of the best teams in the country. He is certainly one of the reasons that the Jayhawks have a great chance at winning another national title.

Here are the best case, and realistic pro comparisons for Jackson. He is tough to project because of his inconsistent jumper, but the players he compares to should intrigue teams to take him very high this June.

Mar 6, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets small forward Sam Dekker (7) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets small forward Sam Dekker (7) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Case Scenario: Kawhi Leonard

Jackson and Leonard are both elite defensive players that make winning plays on that end of the floor. They both can guard up to four positions, which is what any championship team needs to cover the NBA’s ever-talented offensive players.

Jackson’s jump shot is the biggest question about his game. He struggled mightily in the two months of the season, shooting 29% in November and 22% in December from three. However, Jackson has come on as of late to bring his season average to 38% from three point distance.

For Jackson to live up to the Leonard comparison, he’ll need to develop a consistent jump shot. He has everything else you want in an NBA player, but for Jackson to become great, he’ll need to be a threat on the perimeter. If he doesn’t develop a jumper, his upside will fall, and become a player closer to his realistic comparison.

Mar 10, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) dunks the ball in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) dunks the ball in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Realistic Comparison: Andre Iguodala

Iguodala has become a good shooter over time, but his inability to knock down shots on the perimeter limited his long term upside. Still, Iguodala has had a very productive career thanks to his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. There is no reason Jackson can’t live up to a career like Iguodala.

Would you spend a top five pick on Iguodala? I’m not so sure. Jackson can be a franchise altering player with his intensity and winning attitude, but if he can’t shoot, he won’t be a truly great player. He might be able to develop the skill later in his career like Iguodala, but that isn’t something that teams should draft him for if they’re picking high in the draft.

Next: NBA Comparison: Markelle Fultz

These two comparisons show how high Jackson’s floor is, as well as his ceiling. His is already a great defender, with a winning style of play that most Celtics fans can compare to Marcus Smart. However, his jump shot will be the deciding factor in whether he reaches superstar status, or becomes a really good role player. Jackson has high character, so he should be able to find consistency in his shot, and he will most likely be taken in the top five of this year’s draft regardless of shooting consistency.