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

By Philip Rossman-Reich | Jun 4, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Carter Jr (34) battles with Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) and Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) for a loose ball during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Draft Sites Say

Jonathan Givony, ESPN

"The youngest player projected to be drafted, Jackson might have the highest ceiling in terms of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. He has enviable physical tools, including a 7-foot-4 wingspan and tremendous mobility. Jackson’s ability to space the floor (40 percent from 3 and 80 percent from the line), block shots (5.7 per 40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA."

Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer

"Ambidextrous shot blocker with superb timing and closing speed. Effective when switching ball screens onto guards and wings. Glue-guy skills; cuts well, runs the floor hard, finishes with either hand. . . . Inconsistent rebounder who lacks physicality boxing out; he isn’t the quickest leaper from a standstill position. His lack of mass and strength means that he doesn’t deter opponents from driving the lane. Bites on too many shot fakes. Predictable when asked to create; handle gets too loose in traffic, and he tends to drive left."

Cole Zwicker, The Stepien

"Jackson Jr. is one of the youngest players in his class, and has a ton of momentum right now with his athletic and strength improvement as a late bloomer. He looks to be capable of almost every task you’d ask from a modern big, with playmaking, shooting and two-level defensive upside. A legitimate candidate to break the top five come draft time, Jackson Jr’s rise will be contingent on the degree of his performance he is in these respective areas of course while keeping in mind there is untapped potential here with his age."

Evan Tomes, NBADraft.net

"“6-foot-10 athletic big man with great length (7-foot-4 wingspan and 9-foot-1 standing reach) … Good athleticism, energy, and activity … Mobile, well-coordinated, and fluid. . . . Low release on his shot, could use more arc … Sometimes rushes it and pushes it from his chest without getting it into the shooting pocket … Shoots quick at times from three and looks off balance.”"