Top prospect Jaren Jackson Jr. has declared his intention to enter the 2018 NBA draft, making the official announcement today on Twitter. Within his announcement, Jackson wrote at length about his time at Michigan State, stressing that the decision to make the leap to the NBA wasn’t an easy one.
“Spartans, this was not an automatic decision. And honestly, thank you for making it one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to think about,” Jackson wrote. “While playing in the NBA was always my dream and desire, I did not know the opportunity would present itself in quite this way. I’m ready to live my dreams and I cannot pass it up. Therefore, the time has come to declare for the 2018 NBA Draft.”
Jackson, a freshman at Michigan State this season, averaged 10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and an impressive 3.0 BPG in just 21.8 minutes per contest. The 6’11” forward/center has the ability to space the floor and scored his points efficiently this season, with a shooting line of .513/.396/.797.
A potential top-five pick in this year’s draft, Jackson currently ranks third on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN, and was the No. 4 pick in the site’s most recent mock draft. Noting that Jackson is the youngest projected first-rounder for 2018, Givony writes that the 18-year-old may also “have the highest ceiling in terms of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor.”
While Jackson’s announcement didn’t say anything specifically about hiring an agent, he indicated that he’ll “no longer” play at MSU, signaling that he’s not simply testing the waters — he’ll remain in the draft.
Overrated! Wasn’t an impact player at Michigan State. Won’t be in NBA. Being defensive player of year in Big Ten is no big deal. Purdue’s Dakota Mathias was before him. Eleven points and 6 boards in college translates to 6 points and 4 boards in NBA, especially on a lottery team coming from a team as talented as Michigan State.
He’s a project and a raw player. His numbers don’t jump out but you’re only looking at his points and rebounds. He averaged 3 blocks a game which at the very least shows he has good positioning and/or near elite athleticism to be an effective rim protector. The fact that as a big he shot 39% from three and 79% from the free throw line only boosts his case. He could turn into a bust, but teams will buy into his potential as a stretch 5 who can protect the rim. Outside of 3-and-D wings, athletic bigs with the ability to stretch the floor are the types of players teams are looking for.
Dude. I graduated from Purdue. He played his high school ball in Indiana. He’s another late bloomer. I’ve seen him lots of times on the Big Ten Network. Before the season everybody was saying with him, Miles Bridges, Nick Ward, and Cassius Winston, they would be a lock to win it all. Like last year they choked early again. I know what they are saying. I know what I’ve seen. I wouldn’t be surprised if he spent time in the G League. You are right he’s a work in progress. If you take him over Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Bamba, Porter, and Sexton, you are stupid. Miles Bridges is a better player. Sure he won Big Ten freshman of the year. Can you tell me who was second? You talk about his shooting. Looking at his average should tell you how many shots he took. He had more games in single digits than not. He will be a 6 point 4 rebound player next season. That’s not a top 10.
I’ve seen him play a lot lot more than you. I’ll guarantee it.
I don’t doubt that you’ve seen more of him and I’m not saying he should go above any of those guys, but I do think he’s a top 10 pick. He is raw but has a high potential. Teams will love that, especially at his size. They might come to regret it but he could also turn into something special. Realistically he might not be anything better than a good rotational big. But teams will buy on his potential.
Like Marquis Chriss and Dragen Bender? The last big to come out of Michigan State and was projected to be no. 12 was Deyonte White of the Memphis Grizzlies. He went in the 2nd round. They are comparable.
I like Steve Kylers latest mock draft on Basketball Insiders.
Does have a high ceiling, would love to see him drop to the Bulls at 7/8
The only NBA power forwards drafted in the top 10 since 2013 and score in double figures the first year were Lauri Markkenan and Kristaps Porzingas.
NBA teams will let him shoot from 3 more often, indeed they will expect him to and often. That will mess with defenses. Izzo had other ideas not to the benefit of Jackson’s stats.
JJJ will foul a lot without being physical, which will be his problem.
He is rising in rankings.