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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Frank Jackson?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives past North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives past North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Final Word

Frank Jackson’s talent and scoring ability are undeniable. He has a lot of skill that seems like it is waiting to burst out. The raw talent oozes from him with every drive.

Watching him catch the ball and drive with speed and ferocity is impressive, to say the least. He can burst to the basket and finish above the rim. It is easy to fall in love with his highlights. Give him the ball a little more, would he be able to do that more often at Duke?

That is the bigger question. The talent and intangibles are all there. He measured out well at the Combine and surely impressed. It does not seem like anyone is concerned with his ability to compete athletically in the NBA.

Jackson will have to fill in the other aspects of his game. Because everything outside driving and scoring is severely lacking.

At 6-foot-3, he will not have the size to play shooting guard very often, despite a decent 3-point shot. And he does not have a lot of point guard skills yet. He is not much of a passer on his drives.

Add that to his inconsistent defense and it is hard to see what Jackson brings to the table outside that scoring ability. There are a lot of knocks against Jackson. He could have ironed out a lot of these drawbacks if he had gone back to school in all likelihood.

Jackson impressed a lot at the Combine and started quickly rising draft boards into the first round. Foot surgery has knocked him a bit off the radar. But he will end up somewhere in the late first round or early second round. Right in the Orlando Magic’s wheelhouse.

Next: 2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Mathias Lessort?

Jackson will be a player the team has to consider at the end of the day. With his scoring ability, it will warrant a very close look. Even without a formal workout.