Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Jackson
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts with guard Frank Mason III (0) Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 66. . Small Forward. Kansas. Josh Jackson. 4

Team Needs:

Perimeter scoring – Suns ranked 29th, passing (ranked 29th in assists), ball handlers (turned over ball 27th most), defense (ranked 28th).

Free Agents:

  • Alex Len – RFA
  •  Mike Scott – UFA
  • Jared Sullinger – UFA
  • Alan Williams – RFA

Roster Gaps:

Frontcourt bigs with rim protection ability as Chandler ages, quality ball-handler and shot creators, 2-way players, 3 and D specialists or defensive specialists.

Josh Jackson:

As for Josh Jackson the draft prospect preview outlined his skills:

"Josh Jackson is a top notch energetic athlete with unlimited potential. In the current era of the NBA, someone of Jackson’s ilk who can guard multiple positions, be slotted into various roles and has the potential to excel on both sides of the hardwood is a highly desirable asset. Jackson’s defensive chops are already well above average. His freak athleticism is a contributing factor, but there is so much more to Jackson’s defense. He can defend the perimeter due to his speed, lateral quickness and fluidity. Yet, he’s equally capable of defending interior defense based on his quick hands, high basketball I.Q and don’t discount the sheer tenacity and grit he plays with"

Overview:

Drawing upon the adage ‘he was either loved or hated–there was no in-between” seemingly fits Josh Jackson to a tee. His skills are undeniable, but his off-court hi-jinx are well documented. While many thought it was an isolated incident that occurred with Jackson and the female Kansas basketball player. In this incident Jackson caused several thousand dollars of damage to her car.

On another occasion, he was cited for a hit and run of a car. And there was yet another issue where Jackson was a possible witness to a sexual assault, but as per Philly.com this December 18, incident was never fully confirmed and prosecuted.

Still all of these situations tend to point to an ongoing habit of bad behavior. While these are young men their actions are under a microscope. It’s no wonder Philly wouldn’t be eager to add Jackson after what they just experienced with Nerlens Noel. The enigmatic big caused no end of issues for the franchise ad while he somehow avoided the news reaching National coverage it was no less a hassle for the 76ers.

The feeling is leading into draft night Boston is keen to take Tatum. The Suns, however, won’t be as quick to turn down Jackson. Phoenix is building their core for the future and will hope Jackson projections meet reality.

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