Josh Jackson

#1
Well, since both Fox and Tatum (and Dennis Smith) have their own thread, I thought that Josh Jackson should have one too. There is a big 5 (or 6, if you include Smith in the draft). One of these 3 or 4 will be a King come draft day.

Here is some videos from draftexpress.com to start the discussion. Maybe Bajaden or someone else can be so kind to elaborate on Josh Jackson the prospect.

http://www.draftexpress.com/video/12677/

http://www.draftexpress.com/video/12676/
 
Last edited:
#2
In short, Jackson is a high level, active defender. On offense he attacks the rim relatively well, is a good ballhandler and very good passer. Not a great wingspan relative to his height but very athletic.

Shooting had been his Achilles heel but he looked very good down the stretch. When he faced Miles Bridges and Michigan State he was up against a stronger defender who was nearly the same level athlete. It forced him to use his jumper and to his credit he made shots, even a sweet step back three that would have been a bad shot for him early in the year.

An off the court incident where he threatened to beat up a woman and kicked her car raises some concerns but on the court he's a fantastic prospect.
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
#3
I think he's obviously very talented, All Star talented. I don't see him as a Porter. He's better than that. He's got the length, good ball handling for his age and size, passing, defense, rebounding, speed, quickness, jumping. He's competitive. He's definitely got the raw material of a very good 2-way player in the NBA. To me, his talent jumps out at you much more than Tatum. He can make the game look easy, and sometimes he really looks like he could move to the guard position. People say Tatum is fluid, but to my mind, Jackson is much more of the fluid athlete. It all comes down to character and coachability and work ethic. He's the guy that you really want to talk to a lot in a work-out to help you get a read on him, as well as do the detective work with friends, family, associates, etc. Dynamite talent, but is he humble enough and coachable enough and intelligent enough to not squander it?
 
#4
He might be my first choice if the Kings could pick 1. You gotta love this guy's all around game and especially his defense. He may be the best defender in the draft. He's not lightening quick but he's smooth and explosive. Great dribbling for his size - needs to work a bit on his shooting. I like the idea of picking him (if available) and then trading down for Juwan Evans with 10, and stashing a later pick (or 2) for next year.
 
#11
There are some who seem hesitant about Jackson due to his jumper and off-court issues. He was recently ordered into anger management due to his incident outside a bar.

Philly are supposedly interested in DSJ and Fox, although smoke and mirrors abound this time of year. It is not out of the realm of possibility Jackson is there at 5.
 
#12
There are some who seem hesitant about Jackson due to his jumper and off-court issues. He was recently ordered into anger management due to his incident outside a bar.

Philly are supposedly interested in DSJ and Fox, although smoke and mirrors abound this time of year. It is not out of the realm of possibility Jackson is there at 5.
I somehow cannot see Kings being interested if there are off-court issues.

It would be hypocrisy of the highest order if the Kings drafted a kid with off-court issues after all the "culture matter" rubbish that has been spilled since the trade deadline.
 
#15
I'm hoping he goes before our pick. Too many Ted red flags... Legit character concerns, lack of length, small hands, bad shot. I'd rather see another prospect drop to us at #5.
Absurd man just take the kid he's s talent and fits like a glove next to Hield/Skal/WCS Even with a suspect jump shot he's an impact player I think he'll be Iguduala like player. Extremely good on defense and he's s good passer 3apg
 
#16
sorry all, but I was listening to another Cowbell Kingdom podcast last night. Leo Bias stated that from what he's been hearing around the league is that Jacksons character issues are a big concern and he will drop to at least 5. Again take it for what its worth.

Now, if that is the case it puts us in an interesting position, because I don't think we can afford to pass on a probable two way star SF even if PG is our main need. This scenario means the big 3 PG's will go in the top 4 anyways.

I don't recon the alpha dog/drama issues that surrounded Cousins will be that big of an issue with Jackson. We now have enough talent, good character, and respected coaching on this team to keep issues in check.
 
#17
sorry all, but I was listening to another Cowbell Kingdom podcast last night. Leo Bias stated that from what he's been hearing around the league is that Jacksons character issues are a big concern and he will drop to at least 5. Again take it for what its worth.

Now, if that is the case it puts us in an interesting position, because I don't think we can afford to pass on a probable two way star SF even if PG is our main need. This scenario means the big 3 PG's will go in the top 4 anyways.

I don't recon the alpha dog/drama issues that surrounded Cousins will be that big of an issue with Jackson. We now have enough talent, good character, and respected coaching on this team to keep issues in check.
Interesting. I don't listen to Cowbell Kingdom, I don't respect that "resource". But if they happen to be right I will point out Vlade signed Matt Barnes less than a summer ago. I think he'd take Jackson. If Fox and Jackson are on the board I think he takes Fox. If choice is between Jackson and Isaac and we love Isaac (which I think is warranted) then I could see us passing on Jackson for Isaac. But we have a serious void at two positions (PG and SF). There is risk with all these players. Jackson's off court issues are just another risk and variable to weighed against other options that present themselves....

I know one thing, Jackson is a fantastic talent. His shot mechanics are a little awkward but besides that there is a lot to like about his game.
 
#18
The incident is definitely concerning if you have read the details. Jackson also has shooting concerns but unlike say Fox, Jackson shot abysmal from the FT line. Not good.

I cant speak for the people actually making picks but I try and get a feel for what other fanbases thoughts are. There is a growing sector of fans that don't want Jackson high in the draft for the shooting and legal issues. Even PHX fans who had been staunchly hoping Jackson falls to them at 4 have a growing sentiment against Jackson. Many want Isaac or Tatum or Fox.

Just other fans opinions which hold minute if any sway on actual decisions. ( one would presume)
 
#19
@Blob

I agree it's possible Vlade would take him. However as Carolija pointed out, it would be mighty hypocritical to cite "character matters" when ushering DMC and Barnes out the door then turn around and draft someone in Jackson's predicament.

I am definitely no saint, and perhaps it is an isolated incident and does not portend future behavior. It is however troubling when the last thing we need at early stages of a rebuild is a wing with legal issues and poor FT and shooting percentages.
 
#20
sorry all, but I was listening to another Cowbell Kingdom podcast last night. Leo Bias stated that from what he's been hearing around the league is that Jacksons character issues are a big concern and he will drop to at least 5. Again take it for what its worth.

Now, if that is the case it puts us in an interesting position, because I don't think we can afford to pass on a probable two way star SF even if PG is our main need. This scenario means the big 3 PG's will go in the top 4 anyways.

I don't recon the alpha dog/drama issues that surrounded Cousins will be that big of an issue with Jackson. We now have enough talent, good character, and respected coaching on this team to keep issues in check.
SF is a major need to and you can make an easy argument that it's a harder position to fill where PG grow on trees. Jackson can be s playmaker at SF too so there's that, take Jackson and you never know we can get Frank at 10.
 
#21
If we drafted Jackson I would trust the FO weighed the pros and cons and I would support him like I would any new King. I can't wait to see how we play next season regardless of who is added to the roster.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#22
In short, Jackson is a high level, active defender. On offense he attacks the rim relatively well, is a good ballhandler and very good passer. Not a great wingspan relative to his height but very athletic.

Shooting had been his Achilles heel but he looked very good down the stretch. When he faced Miles Bridges and Michigan State he was up against a stronger defender who was nearly the same level athlete. It forced him to use his jumper and to his credit he made shots, even a sweet step back three that would have been a bad shot for him early in the year.

An off the court incident where he threatened to beat up a woman and kicked her car raises some concerns but on the court he's a fantastic prospect.
Just to add to the incident you referred to, and I'm not saying it's an excuse, but what prompted Jackson was that the woman in question threw a glass of coke into one of his teammates face. Jackson lost his temper and threatened the woman who then fled to her car, where he kicked and dented the side of her car. Obviously, he shouldn't have reacted the way he did, but, having been young once myself, and done even more stupid things, I don't think it's something that should affect his draft status. Or, let he who is without sin cast the first stone..

I didn't read all the posts after your post, so if someone else has posted this, I apologize for the repeat.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#23
I think he's obviously very talented, All Star talented. I don't see him as a Porter. He's better than that. He's got the length, good ball handling for his age and size, passing, defense, rebounding, speed, quickness, jumping. He's competitive. He's definitely got the raw material of a very good 2-way player in the NBA. To me, his talent jumps out at you much more than Tatum. He can make the game look easy, and sometimes he really looks like he could move to the guard position. People say Tatum is fluid, but to my mind, Jackson is much more of the fluid athlete. It all comes down to character and coachability and work ethic. He's the guy that you really want to talk to a lot in a work-out to help you get a read on him, as well as do the detective work with friends, family, associates, etc. Dynamite talent, but is he humble enough and coachable enough and intelligent enough to not squander it?
Well first, if someone guaranteed he would be as good as Porter, that alone would be enough for me. That said, he's a far better athlete than Porter. He's certainly one of the best athlete's in the draft. His game is nothing like Tatum's. That's neither good nor bad, It's just different. He's a terrific defender, who, when he adds some strength, should be able to defend four positions. His weakness is his jumpshot. While he shot a decent percentage, his form and shot selection need some work.

If Jackson can become a good 3 pt shooter, he has a chance to be a star, and perhaps a superstar in the league. He'll need to get better control of his temper, but to the best of my knowledge, his on court behavior has been fine.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#24
The incident is definitely concerning if you have read the details. Jackson also has shooting concerns but unlike say Fox, Jackson shot abysmal from the FT line. Not good.

I cant speak for the people actually making picks but I try and get a feel for what other fanbases thoughts are. There is a growing sector of fans that don't want Jackson high in the draft for the shooting and legal issues. Even PHX fans who had been staunchly hoping Jackson falls to them at 4 have a growing sentiment against Jackson. Many want Isaac or Tatum or Fox.

Just other fans opinions which hold minute if any sway on actual decisions. ( one would presume)
I could be wrong, but as one who staunchly defended Cousins when he was in highschool and at Kentucky, I can safely say that Cousins had far more incidents in college than Jackson. To the best of my knowledge Jackson only had the one major incident, and he was actually defending his teammate. I'm not saying we shouldn't take his temper management problems into consideration, but I wouldn't condemn him over it.

As to what kind of player he is, I would compare him to Michael Kidd Gilchrist, but more athletic. No one can fault the effort Jackson puts out on the court. He's always going at 100%. My biggest concern is his jumpshot, and as mentioned, he's not a good freethrow shooter.
 
#25
Just to add to the incident you referred to, and I'm not saying it's an excuse, but what prompted Jackson was that the woman in question threw a glass of coke into one of his teammates face. Jackson lost his temper and threatened the woman who then fled to her car, where he kicked and dented the side of her car. Obviously, he shouldn't have reacted the way he did, but, having been young once myself, and done even more stupid things, I don't think it's something that should affect his draft status. Or, let he who is without sin cast the first stone..

I didn't read all the posts after your post, so if someone else has posted this, I apologize for the repeat.
It's not about he who's without sin casting the first stone.... These young guys are in a weird position of being rich and famous at such a young age while also having an insanely demanding job that they must succeed at or the pick is a waste. It's such a crazy situation that it takes a special kind of young man. I was worse as at that age than any of these athletes... Jackson's incident was a normal Tuesday night for me. And eventually, a long time later after a bunch of hard learned lessons and wreckage along the way, I grew up. The front office doesn't have that kind of time to wait on these kids they draft. They have to do their homework and make sure they're drafting a young man who's mature beyond his years if they want the best shot at making a successful pick.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#26
Here's a video of Jackson's last season highlights. As you'll see in the video, the majority of Jackson's scoring come at, or near the basket. He definitely had a habit of passing up open looks on the perimeter to attack the basket. While he was highly successful at it in college, I think he'll find it harder to do at the NBA level if he can't make them defend his jumpshot. He is a good ball handler, and has s good first step, so I think he can still be very effective off the dribble.

He's a very unselfish player and is a willing and very good passer. He plays off the ball very well and is constantly moving. As you'll see in the video, he's a good finisher, and relentless around the basket fighting for putbacks. He also rebounds out of his area. Defensively he's a monster. He's a very good weakside shot blocker and gets more than his share of steals in the passing lanes. He needs to add strength, and he needs to improve his jumpshot. If he can do both those things, your looking at a player with star potential. At that point, it becomes about how much of an issue you want to make of his off court incident.

Let me put it this way, Jackson didn't go up in the stands and punch a fan the way Marcus Smart did. And that was just one of the incidents with Smart. He didn't get disgusted and walk off the floor while play was going on, and have to be physically shoved back onto the floor by his coach, the way Lance Stephenson did. Compared to those two, he's a freaking angel. Just trying to give a little perspective.


 
#27
I'm hoping he goes before our pick. Too many Ted red flags... Legit character concerns, lack of length, small hands, bad shot. I'd rather see another prospect drop to us at #5.
There's the rub, we can't control who drops to us. We may be faced with a tough choice. Vlade's up to it.
 
#28
Here's a video of Jackson's last season highlights. As you'll see in the video, the majority of Jackson's scoring come at, or near the basket. He definitely had a habit of passing up open looks on the perimeter to attack the basket. While he was highly successful at it in college, I think he'll find it harder to do at the NBA level if he can't make them defend his jumpshot. He is a good ball handler, and has s good first step, so I think he can still be very effective off the dribble.

He's a very unselfish player and is a willing and very good passer. He plays off the ball very well and is constantly moving. As you'll see in the video, he's a good finisher, and relentless around the basket fighting for putbacks. He also rebounds out of his area. Defensively he's a monster. He's a very good weakside shot blocker and gets more than his share of steals in the passing lanes. He needs to add strength, and he needs to improve his jumpshot. If he can do both those things, your looking at a player with star potential. At that point, it becomes about how much of an issue you want to make of his off court incident.

Let me put it this way, Jackson didn't go up in the stands and punch a fan the way Marcus Smart did. And that was just one of the incidents with Smart. He didn't get disgusted and walk off the floor while play was going on, and have to be physically shoved back onto the floor by his coach, the way Lance Stephenson did. Compared to those two, he's a freaking angel. Just trying to give a little perspective.


I'll take the defensive player even without the shot. Next to Hield/Skal they'll be plenty of spacing plus WCS showing his 15ft jumper as long as Jackson is a good cutter we should be fine. Imagine him being a top 5 DPOY guarding 2-3 and small PF to go with WCS defense and Skals defensive potential
 
#30
@Blob

I agree it's possible Vlade would take him. However as Carolija pointed out, it would be mighty hypocritical to cite "character matters" when ushering DMC and Barnes out the door then turn around and draft someone in Jackson's predicament.

I am definitely no saint, and perhaps it is an isolated incident and does not portend future behavior. It is however troubling when the last thing we need at early stages of a rebuild is a wing with legal issues and poor FT and shooting percentages.
Fear not, we have Vlade and staff.