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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Review: Justin Jackson always holds promise

By Philip Rossman-Reich

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Bucknell Bison at Xfinity Center on November 18, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Bucknell Bison at Xfinity Center on November 18, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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Justin Jackson, Maryland Terrapins
COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 27: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Xfinity Center on December 27, 2016 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Final Word

There is a lot to like about Justin Jackson. He has a lot of skills that will make him a pretty useful player in the NBA. And specifically for this Orlando Magic team. When healthy, it is easy to see why the team drafted him.

For Jeff Weltman and John Hammond’s draft history, Justin Jackson has the length and wingspan they like to see. His 7-foot-3 wingspan was one of the largest measured at the draft. And he uses it well defensively.

But Jackson clearly has a lot to learn. On both ends of the floor.

He is a good defender, but not a great defender at this point. And his lateral quickness leaves a little bit to be desired. He is smart and can close down quickly to block shots and challenge. But he will still have to improve his defensive technique.

His 3-point shooting promises to be the most intriguing thing about him. He is a great shooter and is smart at knowing when to take his shot and when to tattack off the dribble. That will serve him well, especially as he fills a role.

But there is not a lot of experience under his belt. And he still has to become a consistent player. And there is little evidence of his ability to do that with the Maryland Terrapins thanks to the torn labrum that cost him almost all of last year.

Orlando is clearly willing to be a bit patient with him. There is enough to like to let things grow. Even if Jackson needs a year and some time to develop in the G-League, Orlando seems willing to wait and hope he can make good on the promising length and shooting he provides.

Orlando is not going to ask him to be much more than a role player. That may hide some of his weaknesss as a ballhandler, driver and playmaker. It is here where his smarts and basketball IQ will come into play. That should make him valuable.

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But the team will have to wait for him to get healthy. And Jackson has to regain all that he lost his sophomore year. And then prove he can play that role consistently.