Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
Jaren Jackson Jr.. 4. player. 211. . Center. Michigan State
There were a ton of rumors swirling around the fourth pick. The Memphis Grizzlies were struggling to get prospects to come workout for them and they were dangling it in trade talks as a sweetener in a package with Chandler Parsons. When the No. 4 pick came up on the clock, the Grizzlies decided to hold onto it and selected Michigan State center, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson eventually relented, giving the Grizzlies the medical information they were looking for and it paid off. He landed in the top-5 and the Grizzlies get one of the highest ceiling prospects in this year’s draft class.
Jackson is a raw prospect, but he has all the tools to turn into a star. He has a jump shot, knocking down 39.6 percent of his 3-pointers. He is an excellent rim protector, as he averaged 3.0 blocked shots per game. Jackson also averaged 5.8 rebounds per game. When you take into account that he was playing out of position alongside Miles Bridges and Nick Ward, those numbers are quite impressive.
Jackson does have to improve his strength and awareness. He was sent to the bench with foul trouble too often, taking himself out of games.
That is something that can change with some coaching and as he learns the game. This was a strong pick by Memphis, as he fits the bill as a Grit and Grind type of player. Learning from Marc Gasol is a positive result as well.