18
Isaiah Jackson Freshman, C, Kentucky
8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.6 blocks, 54% fg, 0% 3pt, 21 mpg
Pick via Miami Heat
Adding talent is once again the name of the game here for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Isaiah Jackson is a gifted as they come. With a very long 6-foot-10 inch frame, Jackson is an elite defender in the paint and a very strong rebounder as well.
He played the power forward position during his time in Lexington, but his lack of ball skills and range will limit him to the five as a professional. Banking on Jackson to develop a sustainable jumper isn’t a wise call, but he could have tremendous value as a defensive anchor, rebounder, and inside presence on both ends.
Though Moses Brown showed massive growth in his second season with Oklahoma City, the Thunder certainly could use more rebounding and defense in their front court, considering OKC’s power forwards are not the strongest defenders. Jackson could take some time to develop into a suitable post scorer in the NBA, but he should be able to provide rebounding and shot blocking from day one.
19
Jaden Springer Freshman, G, Tennessee
12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks, 47% fg, 44% 3pt, 26 mpg
Despite virtually zero expectations coming into this season, the New York Knicks were able to secure a playoff spot and enter back into basketball relevancy for the first time since Carmelo Anthony was in the Big Apple.
In addition, the Knickerbockers will have two first-round picks to work with in this draft, finally cashing in on the Kristaps Porzingis trade that took place a few years ago. It seems more than likely, though, that at least one of these first-round selections will be a point guard that they so desperately need.
Playing in a similarly limited role to fellow freshman teammate Keon Johnson, Springer saw limited minutes to begin the season but slowly increased his time on the floor throughout the year.
He showed great improvement as a passer and three-point shooter, as well as playing very solid perimeter defense for the Vols. It is yet to be seen what Springer will be able to do in a bigger role, but he has played very well in the minutes he was provided.
20
Jared Butler Junior, G, Baylor
16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.4 blocks, 47% fg, 42% 3pt, 30 mpg
Atlanta is beginning to see the fruits of their rebuild ripen, as the young team is currently battling in the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Atlanta’s core looks pretty locked in for now, barring a move for a star to pair with Trae Young, this is the group they will be riding with for the near future.
Though their rotation is already very deep with young shooters, adding a playmaking presence off of the bench could exponentially help the Atlanta reserves when Young is off of the floor.
Jared Butler was one of the more polished players in college basketball this season, serving as a distributor, lockdown defender, and floor spacer for the eventual National Champion Baylor Bears.
As the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and a Consensus All-American as a junior, he should be able to facilitate offense off of the bench early on in his career. Though not a particularly exciting pick, Atlanta adds a valuable skill set to their offense.