Who's better: Josh Jackson or Andrew Wiggins?

[HeartBreakKid]

Tatum looks like an all-star, but I wouldn't pick him as #1 either. At this point its either Jackson or Smith to me. Shame about Giles, would have been fun to throw him into the mix.

[CptCrunch]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

[Kolkmania]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

The kid is 18, his offensive game can develop. He has the footwork few college players have ever shown during their freshman years, that's something to build on. NBA 3 point line is a huge step regarding expanding his range, but I think he can be a close to average college 3 point shooter at the end of the year.

I'm curious to see how he'll be used at Duke. Hope it's more than posting up around the elbow every single possession, would like to see him initiate some offense just like Ingram did last year. I wouldn't write him off for the no. 1 pick already.

[Prez]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

Tatum is highly skilled, don't know where that's coming from at all. All he needs to do is extend his range a bit, which is entirely possible with the right work. His shot is good mechanically and he has good touch, he just needs to work on expanding it in the gym. And having an advanced midrange game is never a negative. So many guys in the league are all 3 or drive and have no middle game..it's an extremely valuable fall-back tool, and when he extends his range he's going to be as pure a scorer as you'll find in this draft.

[CptCrunch]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

Tatum is highly skilled, don't know where that's coming from at all. All he needs to do is extend his range a bit, which is entirely possible with the right work. His shot is good mechanically and he has good touch, he just needs to work on expanding it in the gym. And having an advanced midrange game is never a negative. So many guys in the league are all 3 or drive and have no middle game..it's an extremely valuable fall-back tool, and when he extends his range he's going to be as pure a scorer as you'll find in this draft.

The issue is that barely anyone is good enough to actually shoot the mid range jumper effectively. Unless, he can shoot like Dirk, he shouldn't be shooting fades in the NBA.

Sure, he can develop a 3 point shot and likely will become a good three point shooter based on his advanced skillset and solid shot mechanics. If he starts playing that 3 and D role with a little mid ranger game thrown in, what makes him better than freak athlete 3 and D prospects? Midrange jumper to me is a wasted skillset, and only merely serves to guarantee that Tatum will at least be a serviceable 3 point shooter.

[Duke4life831]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

Tatum is highly skilled, don't know where that's coming from at all. All he needs to do is extend his range a bit, which is entirely possible with the right work. His shot is good mechanically and he has good touch, he just needs to work on expanding it in the gym. And having an advanced midrange game is never a negative. So many guys in the league are all 3 or drive and have no middle game..it's an extremely valuable fall-back tool, and when he extends his range he's going to be as pure a scorer as you'll find in this draft.

The issue is that barely anyone is good enough to actually shoot the mid range jumper effectively. Unless, he can shoot like Dirk, he shouldn't be shooting fades in the NBA.

Sure, he can develop a 3 point shot and likely will become a good three point shooter based on his advanced skillset and solid shot mechanics. If he starts playing that 3 and D role with a little mid ranger game thrown in, what makes him better than freak athlete 3 and D prospects? Midrange jumper to me is a wasted skillset, and only merely serves to guarantee that Tatum will at least be a serviceable 3 point shooter.

I don't know why he would just be a 3 and D player though. Tatum has elite handles for a 6'8 wing. I also don't think having an elite mid range game is a wasted skill set either. Just look at Melo and Durant, both have an elite mid range game skill set which helps open up the rest of their offensive game.

If Tatum gets a consistent 3 point shot down, he won't just be a 3 and D guy, he will be a guy that can create his own shot and score at all 3 levels.

[Duke4life831]

I don't like Tatum not because he is not skilled enough or athletic enough. His offensive game is frankly garbage in the modern NBA. There were only two players who should have been shooting long jumpers, Dirk and Aldridge. Everyone else in the NBA has been highly inefficient with those garbage jumpers. Tatum's whole skillset revolves around shooting mid range jumpers.

The kid is 18, his offensive game can develop. He has the footwork few college players have ever shown during their freshman years, that's something to build on. NBA 3 point line is a huge step regarding expanding his range, but I think he can be a close to average college 3 point shooter at the end of the year.

I'm curious to see how he'll be used at Duke. Hope it's more than posting up around the elbow every single possession, would like to see him initiate some offense just like Ingram did last year. I wouldn't write him off for the no. 1 pick already.

Duke is going to be running PG by committee this year and Tatum is going to be in it. K is going to have him initiate the offense a lot this year.

[Big_C_KU]

JJ biggest knock is his shot form. To be frank as a spot-up shooter it's broke. Low release point, leans back and lands way too far forward. On the flip-side his pull-up jumper is pretty good as he gets good height, has consistent form although ugly, and his slight lean gives him more arc. He has exceptional feel for a wing and his handles are good (can occasionally get away from him but some of the better handles we've seen from top wing prospects in recent years). His defense is as exected. Good but can have lapses with rotation which is usual for a freshman.

I really don't have much concern for his jumper. We know jump shooting is the one area we see the most improvement in a players game in their first few years in the NBA. I'd be more concerned if he was uncomfortable shooting off the dribble as to be a legit all-star NBA wing you need to be able to score off the dribble. He has no issue with that. Who ever drafts him will get him a shooting coach and he has the work ethic to put the time in to be a better shooter.

As for this year I'm excited because it appears Self is going to use JJ a lot more ways than how he used Wiggins. Wiggins was primarily a wing and occasional minutes at the 4 his year at KU, mainly because of his handle. In practices and exhibitions JJ has been playing all over the floor. Started at the 4 in their 2nd game. Ran the point some in both games and in both games looked at his best when doing so scoring off the dribble and creating for others. Was the 2nd ball handler in some lineups and of course played on the wing. Self is going to play him 1-4 this year depending upon who else is on the floor.

Wiggins has more potential but I have little doubt JJ is going to be exceptional and more likely to reach his ceiling.

[Kolkmania]

JJ biggest knock is his shot form. To be frank as a spot-up shooter it's broke. Low release point, leans back and lands way too far forward. On the flip-side his pull-up jumper is pretty good as he gets good height, has consistent form although ugly, and his slight lean gives him more arc. He has exceptional feel for a wing and his handles are good (can occasionally get away from him but some of the better handles we've seen from top wing prospects in recent years). His defense is as exected. Good but can have lapses with rotation which is usual for a freshman.

I really don't have much concern for his jumper. We know jump shooting is the one area we see the most improvement in a players game in their first few years in the NBA. I'd be more concerned if he was uncomfortable shooting off the dribble as to be a legit all-star NBA wing you need to be able to score off the dribble. He has no issue with that. Who ever drafts him will get him a shooting coach and he has the work ethic to put the time in to be a better shooter.

As for this year I'm excited because it appears Self is going to use JJ a lot more ways than how he used Wiggins. Wiggins was primarily a wing and occasional minutes at the 4 his year at KU, mainly because of his handle. In practices and exhibitions JJ has been playing all over the floor. Started at the 4 in their 2nd game. Ran the point some in both games and in both games looked at his best when doing so scoring off the dribble and creating for others. Was the 2nd ball handler in some lineups and of course played on the wing. Self is going to play him 1-4 this year depending upon who else is on the floor.

Wiggins has more potential but I have little doubt JJ is going to be exceptional and more likely to reach his ceiling.

Great post. Love to hear more updates if the season progresses. Not so sure about the potential part though, athleticism is great but it's only a part of the limitations of potential. Mindset, BBIQ and skills/touch are equally important in my book.

Since you're mentioning that every NBA team has a shooting coach I'm wondering if Kansas doesn't? I really think that his shot form, but especially his footwork and balance during his shooting motion needs work. Would be a missed opportunity if he doesn't get personal training at this aspect.

[GimmeDat]

What appears to separate Jackson from so many wing prospects, even someone like Wiggins, is the handle and vision.

I don't know whether he's a better prospect than Wiggins, but he seems like the more well rounded one in terms of skill-set. How his shooting/scoring game develops is going to be the big thing.

[Big_C_KU]

JJ biggest knock is his shot form. To be frank as a spot-up shooter it's broke. Low release point, leans back and lands way too far forward. On the flip-side his pull-up jumper is pretty good as he gets good height, has consistent form although ugly, and his slight lean gives him more arc. He has exceptional feel for a wing and his handles are good (can occasionally get away from him but some of the better handles we've seen from top wing prospects in recent years). His defense is as exected. Good but can have lapses with rotation which is usual for a freshman.

I really don't have much concern for his jumper. We know jump shooting is the one area we see the most improvement in a players game in their first few years in the NBA. I'd be more concerned if he was uncomfortable shooting off the dribble as to be a legit all-star NBA wing you need to be able to score off the dribble. He has no issue with that. Who ever drafts him will get him a shooting coach and he has the work ethic to put the time in to be a better shooter.

As for this year I'm excited because it appears Self is going to use JJ a lot more ways than how he used Wiggins. Wiggins was primarily a wing and occasional minutes at the 4 his year at KU, mainly because of his handle. In practices and exhibitions JJ has been playing all over the floor. Started at the 4 in their 2nd game. Ran the point some in both games and in both games looked at his best when doing so scoring off the dribble and creating for others. Was the 2nd ball handler in some lineups and of course played on the wing. Self is going to play him 1-4 this year depending upon who else is on the floor.

Wiggins has more potential but I have little doubt JJ is going to be exceptional and more likely to reach his ceiling.

Great post. Love to hear more updates if the season progresses. Not so sure about the potential part though, athleticism is great but it's only a part of the limitations of potential. Mindset, BBIQ and skills/touch are equally important in my book.

Since you're mentioning that every NBA team has a shooting coach I'm wondering if Kansas doesn't? I really think that his shot form, but especially his footwork and balance during his shooting motion needs work. Would be a missed opportunity if he doesn't get personal training at this aspect.

KU does. One of the assistant coaches are usually in charge of working on players shooting ability. The problem is hours they can work with a player are restricted so it usually takes a year or 2 before you start to see improvement. An example is Ben McLemore. He redshirted his freshman year and KU staff rebuilt his shot and he became one of the better shooters in college basketball his redshirt freshman season.

With only spending really 9 months on campus the staff won't rebuild Jackson's jumper. They'll look at any small tweaks he can make to become better shooter and make sure he's consistently using the same form and getting reps in. An example is Wiggins who was all over the place with his form the beginning of his freshman year but by conference play the form was pretty consistent and showed him to shoot a little better.

[Cammo101]

At the time both showed up to campus, I think it's Wiggins. I know Wiggins isn't the uber-star he was expected to become, but that shine came off him later. Coming out of high school, Wiggins was one of the top prospects we'd seen in years. Jackson is a notch below that.

[Chuck Everett]

Jackson turns turns 20 in February, while Wiggins turns 22 in February (with 3 years of NBA experience). It is highly presumptuous to say he is better than Andrew. He should be a sophomore or in the NBA already.

[cksdayoff]

i think wiggins is the better prospect over josh jackson. the hype for wiggins was incredible coming into his freshman season. jacksons hype isn't anywhere near wiggins level.

[CptCrunch]

One thing to keep in mind is that we are comparing Jackson vs Wiggins as a prospect BEFORE they played/play in the NBA. Of course, knowing how Andrew turned out now makes it fairly unlikely that Jackson can still be considered a better prospect. However, I still maintain the idea that Jackson is far superior as a prospect when compared to high school/college Wiggins.

[crazy_me_87]

Wiggins is atm a great Scorer. One of the best Athletes i have ever seen. He lacks a bit everywhere else. Rebounding,Passing,Defense..He can improve on Rebounding and defense.. he has the tools he just has to be properly motivated.

Josh seems a notch below Andrew in terms of raw athletism and Scoring, But he far exeeds Andrew at everything else.
His motor and agressivnes on both ends is non stop. He is a great rebounder for a Wing and a really good passer with very good vision.

It depends. If you look at them NOW Josh is more well rounded and Andrew is the Elite Scorer.
If you look at them At the Start of their College Season as a pure prospect I think Andrew is ahead. Josh is more well rounded but Wiggins insane athletism give him a bit higher ceiling.

[JRSG]

Jackson's age concerns me. He's a year older than all the other prospects and already older than some of the sophmore prospects like Rabb and Anunoby. I always think that lads who have a year or 18 months on the other high school seniors always get overrated coming up into College.

It's nothing definitive, but I always think it's something to be aware of.

[Big_C_KU]

Josh had a rough first game and a better 2nd game. Has struggled to get any real rythym in the games because of foul trouble. Has been aggressive on defense and gotten some really tricky team fouls against him.

Did show the glimpses tonight against Duke. Started the 2nd half aggressive attacking the rim and got him in a rhythm. A couple great drives, great pull up 3, and great pull-up jumper. Sadly couldn't continue it because of foul trouble. Scored 13 of his 15 in that flurry. Can't wait to see what he does when he's able to stay out of foul trouble.

Big guy to keep an eye on for the 2018 draft is Udoka Azubuike. Legit 6-11 and 280. His showing great potential for only 17 years old. Won't be eligible for the 2017 draft.

[MotownMadness]

Josh had a rough first game and a better 2nd game. Has struggled to get any real rythym in the games because of foul trouble. Has been aggressive on defense and gotten some really tricky team fouls against him.

Did show the glimpses tonight against Duke. Started the 2nd half aggressive attacking the rim and got him in a rhythm. A couple great drives, great pull up 3, and great pull-up jumper. Sadly couldn't continue it because of foul trouble. Scored 13 of his 15 in that flurry. Can't wait to see what he does when he's able to stay out of foul trouble.

Big guy to keep an eye on for the 2018 draft is Udoka Azubuike. Legit 6-11 and 280. His showing great potential for only 17 years old. Won't be eligible for the 2017 draft.

Was he known as a very emotional player before college? He was very impressive last night but his emotions definitely ran wild and dictated his court time.

[Marcus]

Josh had a rough first game and a better 2nd game. Has struggled to get any real rythym in the games because of foul trouble. Has been aggressive on defense and gotten some really tricky team fouls against him.

Did show the glimpses tonight against Duke. Started the 2nd half aggressive attacking the rim and got him in a rhythm. A couple great drives, great pull up 3, and great pull-up jumper. Sadly couldn't continue it because of foul trouble. Scored 13 of his 15 in that flurry. Can't wait to see what he does when he's able to stay out of foul trouble.

Big guy to keep an eye on for the 2018 draft is Udoka Azubuike. Legit 6-11 and 280. His showing great potential for only 17 years old. Won't be eligible for the 2017 draft.

Was he known as a very emotional player before college? He was very impressive last night but his emotions definitely ran wild and dictated his court time.

yeah it's an issue. Something I though was resolved and he had under control but it seems to be coming back in negative ways. I don't mind the passion and trash talk but when he's being bratty its a bad sign. Hopefully its isolated though and he simmers down as the year goes on.