Boston Celtics draft prospects: Making a case for Josh Jackson at No. 1

Josh Jackson is a perfect fit for the Boston Celtics. Long, strong, and a great defender. Is that enough to get drafted over Markelle Fultz? Or will Boston trade down to nab him.

Markelle Fultz is the consensus No. 1 over pick, but reports are that the Boston Celtics are very high on Jackson. So should they draft Jackson at No. 1 or trade down to get Jackson and potentially more draft picks.

With the draft quickly approaching, here’s a recent tweet from ESPN NBA reporter Marc Stein

Then ESPN’s Senior Writer Zach Lowe responded to Stein’s tweet

So as you can tell Boston loves Jackson, but will the trade go through? The Celtics have a bevy of options so nothing is set in stone, but these are more than just rumors. Either way, Boston should be getting a player that is a game changer.

I would be perfectly fine with Boston draft Jackson, but not at No. 1. If they can trade down and draft him, they might have just won the 2017 draft. With all these crazy rumors, here is what an anonymous NBA General Manager had to say just a day or two ago.

"“I’ve picked Danny’s brain for years,” the general manager said. “Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.”"

What’s so special about this Jackson Kid?

Jackson is a big bulky small forward who can also play power forward. Coming out of college Jackson is already NBA size ready, and his defensive presence and rebounding is something Boston needs.

Jackson is a 6’8″ 210 lb small forward, but with his size can play power forward. That is key, that he has the ability to play the 4 spot, because Jaylen Brown and Jae Crowder at the 3 don’t have the length to play the 4 spot.

He is also a great fit because as wonderful as Markelle Fultz is, Boston needs forwards not guards, they need help rebounding and a big body down low. That is why these rumors about Jackson are coming fruition. Here is what Director of Scouting at Draft Express Mike Schmitz had to say about Josh Jackson.

"Jackson’s physical profile is a mixed bag. He has very good size for the wing at 6’8, and is a quick-twitch and highly explosive athlete who plays above the rim with ease and covers ground seamlessly defensively. With that said, his small hands, 6’10 wingspan and narrow 207 pound frame may limit his effectiveness playing the small-ball power forward role he was so successful filling in college, and the fact that he’s an older freshman at 20 years old makes you wonder how much more strength his frame will carry down the line."

So with all this said, would it be the right move for Boston to take Jackson? He can help the Celtics right away compared to Fultz possibly needing time to adjust to the NBA. I still believe Markelle Fultz is the best player in the draft, but if the Celtics are going all in, don’t be surprised if Josh Jackson is wearing green this fall.

Next: Making a case for Lonzo Ball at No. 1

Draft Express breaks down Josh Jackson’s main strengths.

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