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Boston Celtics: 5 potential No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft

By Riley Culler

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Jackson is a great defender and uses his size and quickness to his advantage, but sometimes gets into foul trouble because of his aggressive play. He can easily work on that in the pros. Jackson is also the most athletic wing in the draft, and is NBA starter material already.

One concern is him being inconsistent, needs to improve his jumper and if he’s not feeling it early he tends to struggle the whole game. He also needs to improve his free throwing shooting which was just 57% in his short collegiate career. That comes as a surprise as Jackson shot 38% from 3PT range, which is outstanding for a 3 or 4 player.

Here is Mike Schmitz, director of scouting of scouting at Draft Express breaking down Jackson’s strengths and weaknesses.

The Boston Celtics may want to be hesitant with Jackson, without doing their due diligence. Before the first game of Kansas’ 2016-2017 season, news broke that Jackson was being summoned to court for threatening to beat his girlfriend. Most teams feel he is still a top 5 pick but any off the field issues are a red flag.

College Statistics

16.3 PPG 7.4 RPG 3.0 APG 1.1 BPG 1.7 SPG : FG% (.513) 3P% (.378) FT% (.566)

Strengths & Weaknesses

S: Super athletic. Excellent Passer. Good Basketball IQ. Big body that defends well down low.

W: Struggles with jumpers. Inconsistent if he doesn’t get going early. Too aggressive at times.

Potential Roster Fit

Josh Jackson like Tatum would most likely most to the PF position, Jackson’s aggressive defense down low is exactly what Boston needs. While Jackson is on the smaller side to play PF, he has the frame to bulk up to help him down low. Horford could mentor Jackson, both players are excellent passers, good on offense and defense, and have a high basketball IQ.

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