Frank Jackson: OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) fight for the ball in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 90-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke freshman Frank Jackson is the next athlete Thunderous Intentions examines in TI’s NBA Draft Prospect Preview.

Frank Jackson solid physical attributes and strong offensive skill set has analysts earmarking him to be selected late in the first round or early second.

The Duke point guard seems better suited to the shooting guard role much like the comparison Kevin O’Connor points out via his doppelganger Austin Rivers. Recalling when Rivers was drafted he took years to develop into the player he is now. Additionally, Rivers defensive abilities were advanced compared to where Jackson currently is.

Jackson boasts some impressive offensive skill sets, however his inability to create for his teammates and inconsistent defense don’t necessarily make him an ideal candidate for Sam Presti to target.

Specifics:

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 208lbs

Wingspan: 6’7.5″

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19 years, 1 month

Statline: 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 39.5 percent from deep

College: Duke (freshman)

Home Town: Washington, DC

Current rankings:

Note, rankings are updated on day of writing, and are subject to change.

DraftExpress: 37th

NBA DraftNet: 29th

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 38th

CBS Sports: 47th

Basketball Insiders: 33rd

Skills:

Jackson’s offensive versatility is a definite bonus with the Duke point guard posting solid scoring efficiencies in all three key categories:

47.3 percent from the field
39.2 percent from the perimeter
75.5 percent from the charity stripe

In addition his physical attributes are above average with his 6’7and 1/2″reach and 42′ vertical.

He possesses the ability to mix up his offense via drives and finishes at the rim. His leaping ability, hops and decent size allow him options, yet he isn’t as productive as he could be with these assets.

Weaknesses:

Although Jackson possesses to tools (size, quickness, reach) he’s inconsistent defensively. Additionally, his point guard skills are underdeveloped, but with his skill set it is seemingly based on selfishness rather than ability.

As per Draft Express:

"Jackson’s limitations as a shot creator coupled with his lack of court vision and questionable comfort level initiating offense make him less than effective as a full-time playmaker at this point in his career. Committing a number of careless turnovers early in the shot clock last season, Jackson was most effective playing a secondary ball-handling role. Not always adept at picking and choosing his spots or consistently utilizing changes of speed and direction effectively, Jackson is a score-first guard who could conceivably grow into a true combo, but is more of a true shooting guard who would be most comfortable alongside another dynamic playmaker at the moment. Dishing out only 2.7 assists per-40 minutes pace adjusted last season, despite the huge amount of scoring power alongside him in a free-flowing offense, Jackson has plenty of room to grow as a passer and decision-maker."

Honors and awards:

Utah Player of the Year , 2016

Utah Mr. Basketball, 2016

McDonald’s All-American Game Most Valuable Player, 2016

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list pegs Collins ceiling as Austin Rivers or Jerryd Bayless.

O’Connor’s assessment is perfect given neither Rivers or Bayless are pure point guards and continue to be better suited to the shooting guard role.

The fit:

My issue with Jackson is other than being taller than Frank Mason all of his stats are inferior. Furthermore, his assists, rebounds and defense also are also far inferior to Mason. Even if you cite his height as being the caveat which moves the arrow toward Jackson then consider Mason’s vertical is a gawdy 41″ versus Jackson’s 42″ vertical. Moreover Mason (who also is considered a score first guard) doubles Jackson’s rebound, assist and steal per game totals.

Ultimately, it’s the tenacity and grit Mason plays the game with versus Jackson’s inconsistency and shifts in focus. Sure, Mason is smaller, but over and above his superior numbers his effort and motor win out every time. My point is why look at Jackson when Mason will cost less to get and fits the Thunder identity far better.

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