2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Who is Jaren Jackson Jr.?

The Good

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s raw counting stats (10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds per game) are not likely to jump off the page. He played a little more than half a game. Stretching them out to per 40 minutes or any length of regular playing time makes them look a little better.

He is the picture of a player who flies around the lane for blocks and protects the rim. Someone whose length and athleticism allows him to stick with guards on the perimeter.

It is on defense where Jackson will have his most immediate value.

Jackson is good at using his size to get rebounds and position himself on that end. And his presence on a college court was noticeable. He was someone opponents had to respect and watch out for.

He does not have the supreme length of Mohamed Bamba. But after Bamba, Jackson had the most impressive measurements for any big. At least among those likely to get drafted. Jackson is an impressive athlete in that way.

What sets him apart though is his burgeoning offensive skill.

Jackson is not a traditional back-to-the-basket big. He is comfortable working out of the high post and can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. His moves are still based mostly on his athleticism. He usually goes in a straight line to the rim. But his burst and control are impressive for a guy his size.

As Jackson gets more comfortable and gains more skill, he could become a dangerous weapon from anywhere on the floor. Whether that is working out of the high post or on the block.

But the modern NBA game is asking its bigs to do more. It wants them to shoot.

And Jackson can do that. He made 39.6 percent of his 3-pointers on 96 attempts. A small, but not insignificant sample size. This is the part of his game that might prove the most tantalizing.

Bigs who can protect the rim and hit 3-pointers are exceedingly rare. But that is the direction most teams are heading. Being able not only to spread the floor with five shooters but also have players who can defend all five positions. Jackson has that potential and it is why so many are so high on him.