NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Jaren Jackson Jr.

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Jaren Jackson Jr. - Power Forward/Center - Michigan State - Freshman

Age: 18 Height: 6-foot-11 Weight: 236

Stats: 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, .6 steals, 3.0 blocks, 39.6% 3-point

Player Comparison: (Bigger) Serge Ibaka, (modern day) Jermaine O’Neal

Strengths
Long and athletic, Jackson projects as one of the best two-way big men in the draft. He can shoot from the outside, finish in the post and at 18-years-old, he has a plenty of room for growth. At the combine, Jackson posted a 7-foot-5 wingspan and he’s being touted as a 3-and-D power forward or center.

Weaknesses
Jackson’s numbers in his lone season at Michigan State were hurt by his inability to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. In 21.9 minutes per game, Jackson averaged 3.2 fouls, which translates to 5.3 fouls per 36 minutes. He needs to get stronger, improve as a rebounder and develop a more consistent interior game.

Fit
With Willie Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos entering the final year of their contracts, the Kings might have a long-term need at the center position. Jackson’s ability to stretch the floor would give Sacramento’s offense a new element. He’s young and needs time to develop, but Jackson is packed with potential on both ends of the court.

Chance of going No. 2
Surprisingly, Sacramento has shown very little interest in Jackson throughout the draft process. The Kings have kicked the tires on big men Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr., but unless they’ve done a masterful job of hiding their intentions, Jackson doesn’t appear to be a target.

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