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Josh Jackson should be on the Chicago Bulls’ radar

By Luke Askew

SOUTHAVEN, MS - DECEMBER 30: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Hustle shoots a free throw against the Agua Caliente Clippers during an NBA G-League game on December 30, 2019 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Justin Ford/NBAE via Getty Images)
SOUTHAVEN, MS - DECEMBER 30: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Hustle shoots a free throw against the Agua Caliente Clippers during an NBA G-League game on December 30, 2019 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Justin Ford/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls are entering the thick of trade season with a shockingly weak wing rotation. Memphis swingman Josh Jackson is someone they should target.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bulls have a lot of work to do. Thanks to Otto Porter Jr.’s foot injury, the Bulls have been forced to trot out way too many three-guard lineups this season. Sure, Tomas Satoransky’s 6-foot-7 frame masks some of the problems that playing three guards brings, but they won’t hit their ceiling as a team until they get a legitimate small forward in the lineup. As much as I love what Kris Dunn has been doing this season, he should be coming off the bench as a defensive-minded energy guy, not starting next alongside Sato and Zach LaVine.

Wings are a hot commodity in the NBA. Every team is looking for a versatile swingman that can hit threes, defend multiple positions and attack closeouts off the dribble. That means finding the right guy won’t be easy. One wing that seems to be flying under everyone’s radar right now is Josh Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Jackson struggled in his first two seasons in the league. He showed flashes of brilliance but wasn’t consistently productive or efficient enough to stay on the floor. In July, the Suns dealt him to Memphis along with De’Anthony Melton and two future picks in return for Jevon Carter and Kyle Korver.

The Grizzlies assigned Jackson to their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, where Jackson has spent the first part of the 2019-20 season. Jackson hasn’t treated his G League run as a demotion, though. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity he’s been given and he’s absolutely killing it. He’s averaging over 20 points per game on an efficient 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 38.1 percent shooting from 3-point territory to go along with 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

When Jackson was drafted, everyone knew he could defend. At 6-foot-8, he’s extremely versatile and has the ability to guard the 1-4 positions effectively. His jumper was the biggest question mark. In his first two seasons with the Suns, Jackson shot under 30 percent from deep on 2.8 attempts per game. Not only has his 3-point shooting percentage ballooned in the G League, but he’s shooting way more deep balls too. His 38.1 percent is coming on 6.4 attempts per game. That’s legitimately good.

His shot still looks a little wonky. It’s always had an unnatural hitch in it. But it looks like it’s smoothed out a little since his college days at Kansas. That’s a good sign.

Jackson’s defense is awesome, his shooting is coming along and his athleticism was never in question. Perhaps his best — and most underrated — skill is his playmaking, though.

Check out this pass:

That’s the type of pass that becomes a turnover if it comes half a second late or if it’s a few inches off target. Jackson’s ability to see the cutter and deliver a pinpoint pass with one hand off the dribble is why the Lakers’ big man couldn’t recover in time. If Jackson picks up his dribble and then makes the pass, it’s probably getting picked off.

Jackson’s not just a stationary passer, though. His playmaking abilities carry over into the transition game.

The Bulls are struggling and could really use someone with Jackson’s size and versatility on the wing. He’s a rich man’s Chandler Hutchison. You can play Jackson at the four in small-ball lineups or at the three in traditional lineups. He’s a guy who can slow down opposing wings. He would help Zach LaVine tremendously on both offense and defense.

The Grizzlies have been one of the league’s biggest surprises thus far. They currently own the eighth-best record in the ever-tough Western Conference. Maybe that’s why they haven’t called Jackson up to play with the big boys yet. Whatever they’re doing is working. They’re winning games and having fun doing so.

Chicago isn’t in that same luxurious position, though. They can’t let lottery talent go to waste in the G League. They need to take a chance on guys with high ceilings. At only 22 years old, Jackson still has a chance to be one of the league’s premier swingmen.

Next. Deni Avdija should be the Bulls' primary draft target. dark

The Bulls need to call Memphis immediately. Jackson could go from a G League star to an NBA starter in a matter of days.

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