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2017 NBA Draft Prospects: North Carolina’s Justin Jackson and his long-term value

By Willie Lutz

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls have a long standing history of taking players in the NBA Draft with a lot of college experience. North Carolina’s Justin Jackson fits that model this year.

Junior forward Justin Jackson made the decision to forego his senior season by putting his name in the 2017 NBA Draft. While the forward may not have the NBA body quite yet, he may have some of the best intangibles in the class.

In fact, he’s fresh off of a national championship victory with the North Carolina Tar Heels over fellow draft prospects Nigel Williams-Goss and Zach Collins of Gonzaga this past April.

Jackson’s 2016-17 college season came with consensus First Team All-American honors, First Team All-ACC honors and ACC Player of the Year honors, which were all back-ended with a championship ring.

Averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night, he was also key to UNC’s regular season title in the ACC, arguably the nation’s best conference.

During the 2016-17 NCAA Tournament, Jackson’s stock took a jump when he averaged 19.5 points a night. This includes key shots down the stretch in his 16-point performance against Gonzaga in the title game.

Throughout the season, Jackson’s ability to execute in the moments that make or break a game were outstanding. Jackson would bring a lot to a team like the Bulls, who often slipped in execution last season. After all, he may have the best basketball IQ of any player in the draft class.

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express on Jackson’s court knowledge:

"Besides [John] Collins [of Gonzaga], the player who has helped himself more than anyone at the Final Four thus far is UNC’s Justin Jackson. Oregon had absolutely no answer for him on the wing with his tremendous size, length, much improved shooting stroke and outstanding basketball IQ. Besides scoring 22 points on 6/13 shooting from outside, Jackson was just as impressive defensively, covering ground exceptionally, using his big 6’11 wingspan to contest shots all over the floor, and playing with the type of toughness, focus and energy scouts have been wanting to see from him since he emerged as a McDonald’s All-American three years ago."

With a 6-foot-8, 208-pound frame, Jackson’s usage will slot him as a three or even stretching to the four. However, moving Jackson down to the floor comes with a series of red flags, more so in terms of defense.

Despite their 33-7 record, the Tar Heels allowed 70.6 points per game last season, which was 126th in college basketball. Jackson produced a robust 102.2 defensive rating and 1.9 defensive plus/minus. Jackson’s ability to stop the ball factored greatly into the success of the Tar Heels a season ago.

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Even with Jackson’s solid defensive skill in college, the NBA leap may be tough on the forward. With a lanky frame, Jackson will initially struggle to defend more physical scorers. The Bulls play Paul George and LeBron James four times a year. That could be a challenge for Jackson.

Jackson, who also shined at times with his ability to score in the post, may struggle in backing down defenders early in his career.

After early-career sputtering on offense, last season proved to be a great swing in the right direction for the forward. In his sophomore season, Jackson managed to shoot 29.2 percent from the 3-point line. Last season, he managed to shoot nearly a full eight percentage points better, completing 37 percent from 3. Seeing such a drastic jump in shooting percentage shows that Justin Jackson’s game is still sort of raw, though still impressive.

Whatever Jackson may lack in terms of NBA standards, his ability to hit his shots with creativity will go a long way towards his success in the association. Perhaps it’s the lanky frame, but offensive creativity that leaves the scent of Kevin Durant’s college tenure at Texas.

Next: Survey says, 'Don't trade for Jahlil Okafor, Bulls'

Plus, the Chicago Bulls may still be keen on drafting high IQ scorers with national title honors from North Carolina.

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