Jackson vs. Bamba – Who do you rank higher?

[The-Power]

The Bagley vs. Ayton thread has already generated some good discussion and should be a relevant topic for months to come. So why not going to the other side of the spectrum and focus on the, in my opinion, two best defensive prospects in the upcoming draft?

Both players have tremendous defensive potential. Bamba can be a generational talent as a rim protector while Jackson, an elite interior college defender himself, has already shown great versatility at defending further away from the rim. Both good rebounders with a lot of body growth ahead of them, both with some issues on offense that keep them from being ranked even higher in the eyes of many, I presume.

Jackson or Bamba, who do you draft first and why? What do you expect of them in the NBA? Where do they rank on your big board, in case you have one? Again disregarding the needs of a specific team for the purpose of this comparison.

[No-Man]

This is a no-brainer to me, I would edit the post later, but Jackson by a mile and then more.

Bamba's touch and the way he floats, real smooth is intriguing, and there is the length ofc, but other than that he is just so damn raw at basketball and I doubt he is ever even a 0 on offense, gonna be a net negative there.

[The-Power]

Surprised to see an early 5-0 lead for JJJ even though I'm considering ranking him higher as well.

Since we're frequently hearing about a top 5, I'd like to ask you: is JJJ the new member of the top 5 replacing a disappointing Bamba or is it now more adequately characterized as a top 6? Or do your rankings at the top include other players (I know Mil. Bridges and Sexton are in some top 5-6 lists) and you were never on board with the top 5 narrative?

[CptCrunch]

Surprised to see an early 5-0 lead for JJJ even though I'm considering ranking him higher as well.

Since we're frequently hearing about a top 5, I'd like to ask you: is JJJ the new member of the top 5 replacing a disappointing Bamba or is it now more adequately characterized as a top 6? Or do your rankings at the top include other players (I know Mil. Bridges and Sexton are in some top 5-6 lists) and you were never on board with the top 5 narrative?

It has never been top 5 for me. It is top 3 with an injured/unknown Porter at 4.

[The Master]

Like I wrote before season started - offensively, Jackson has very nice potential with his shooting stroke, and defensively, he's still second best prospsect in this draft. Bamba right now is underperforming on O badly, so the choice is quite easy, but many things can change in next months.

On the other hand, JJJr is still very raw, so I hope he won't go to the organisation that has issues with developing their prospects like Kings. I'm quite suprised with his mobility, hes showing potential to be stretch4 honestly with his perimeter D and shooting touch, still way to go but this is most impressive thing I've seen in him right now.

[Alatan]

Jackson is a nice athletic big with a solid jumpshot but he block-hunts a lot. I dont know is his help defense the result of his awernes or his block hunting. I know pump fakes will kill him in the NBA unless he learnes to be more disciplined.

[CP War Hawks]

I'm ultra intrigued with Bamba because once he puts all together it'll be something to see. Ultimately at the moment, I'll go JJJ. The deal breaker is his 85 % fts.

Any 7 footer that can shoot that well at the line is what I look for in an NBA center prospect. He's still a toddler out there to boot.

[King Ken]

Bamba and it's not even close. He's still playing off of his tools, talent, and BBIQ. His defense, for the most part, is below average and his offense off the ball is decent but on the ball, he's WIP. But his talent level is really high, his tools and functional athleticism is off the charts and he has that unicorn effect. He has a soft touch, smooth release, and he's an excellent rebounder. He reminds me of a prospect who I liked several years ago named Kristaps Porzigis. Raw but talented and extremely high potential. KP had higher potential than I thought at the time. I can't lie, I didn't think KP would get to this point till his 6th year or later. But the NBA systems are way better than they used to be and development is night and day better as well.

Jackson is a special prospect similar to Josh Jackson last year. Where they are polished. They have clear strengths. Are pro ready and they are above their years defensively as college freshman. But I don't see elite prospect but he's special. He will be able to play in the NBA for many years to come. I think he will struggle to translate in the NBA more than people think, especially on offense. While I think Bamba will have a smooth transition to the NBA because his functional athleticism and length is just insane. Add that BBIQ and you got a player with some freakish potential.

[doordoor123]

Bamba and it's not even close. He's still playing off of his tools, talent, and BBIQ. His defense, for the most part, is below average and his offense off the ball is decent but on the ball, he's WIP. But his talent level is really high, his tools and functional athleticism is off the charts and he has that unicorn effect. He has a soft touch, smooth release, and he's an excellent rebounder. He reminds me of a prospect who I liked several years ago named Kristaps Porzigis. Raw but talented and extremely high potential. KP had higher potential than I thought at the time. I can't lie, I didn't think KP would get to this point till his 6th year or later. But the NBA systems are way better than they used to be and development is night and day better as well.

Jackson is a special prospect similar to Josh Jackson last year. Where they are polished. They have clear strengths. Are pro ready and they are above their years defensively as college freshman. But I don't see elite prospect but he's special. He will be able to play in the NBA for many years to come. I think he will struggle to translate in the NBA more than people think, especially on offense. While I think Bamba will have a smooth transition to the NBA because his functional athleticism and length is just insane. Add that BBIQ and you got a player with some freakish potential.

Beyond saying Bamba’s length is insane, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have the Longhorns network and record every Texas game, but I do not see what you’re seeing AT ALL.

[King Ken]

Bamba and it's not even close. He's still playing off of his tools, talent, and BBIQ. His defense, for the most part, is below average and his offense off the ball is decent but on the ball, he's WIP. But his talent level is really high, his tools and functional athleticism is off the charts and he has that unicorn effect. He has a soft touch, smooth release, and he's an excellent rebounder. He reminds me of a prospect who I liked several years ago named Kristaps Porzigis. Raw but talented and extremely high potential. KP had higher potential than I thought at the time. I can't lie, I didn't think KP would get to this point till his 6th year or later. But the NBA systems are way better than they used to be and development is night and day better as well.

Jackson is a special prospect similar to Josh Jackson last year. Where they are polished. They have clear strengths. Are pro ready and they are above their years defensively as college freshman. But I don't see elite prospect but he's special. He will be able to play in the NBA for many years to come. I think he will struggle to translate in the NBA more than people think, especially on offense. While I think Bamba will have a smooth transition to the NBA because his functional athleticism and length is just insane. Add that BBIQ and you got a player with some freakish potential.

Beyond saying Bamba’s length is insane, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have the Longhorns network and record every Texas game, but I do not see what you’re seeing AT ALL.

Let's bring the tape into it. You have the recordings. Upload them to youtube.

[GimmeDat]

I still think Bamba is the higher ceiling guy but it's hard to go past JJJ, especially with Bamba's undercooked offensive game; he looks super raw.

Both in a similar ball park at this stage, but voting Jackson from what we've seen so far.

[Catchall]

Bamba needs to add strength and needs more motor in order to impact the game more

[Mulhollanddrive]

I really like both as value picks 5 onwards (would be the same quality as in a superdraft, EG comparable to Isaac & Markkanen) but they both scare me in that they may never get it on offense. So whoever shows improvement and consistancy over the next few months will likely be my pick.

One thing to remember is that Jackson is 16 months younger than Bamba.

[doordoor123]

Bamba and it's not even close. He's still playing off of his tools, talent, and BBIQ. His defense, for the most part, is below average and his offense off the ball is decent but on the ball, he's WIP. But his talent level is really high, his tools and functional athleticism is off the charts and he has that unicorn effect. He has a soft touch, smooth release, and he's an excellent rebounder. He reminds me of a prospect who I liked several years ago named Kristaps Porzigis. Raw but talented and extremely high potential. KP had higher potential than I thought at the time. I can't lie, I didn't think KP would get to this point till his 6th year or later. But the NBA systems are way better than they used to be and development is night and day better as well.

Jackson is a special prospect similar to Josh Jackson last year. Where they are polished. They have clear strengths. Are pro ready and they are above their years defensively as college freshman. But I don't see elite prospect but he's special. He will be able to play in the NBA for many years to come. I think he will struggle to translate in the NBA more than people think, especially on offense. While I think Bamba will have a smooth transition to the NBA because his functional athleticism and length is just insane. Add that BBIQ and you got a player with some freakish potential.

Beyond saying Bamba’s length is insane, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have the Longhorns network and record every Texas game, but I do not see what you’re seeing AT ALL.

Let's bring the tape into it. You have the recordings. Upload them to youtube.

It appears I’m not as tach savy as you (I don’t know how to get the stuff from my DVR to my phone or computer). Why don’t you show some video proof of what you’re talking about (because me bringing it up doesn’t prove anything about your point)? And if you do, show my actual footage, not the three random times he did good things (like in highlights). And then I’ll show you visual evidence to counter your claims in relation to NBA players with better mobility, etc.

[doordoor123]

Beyond saying Bamba’s length is insane, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have the Longhorns network and record every Texas game, but I do not see what you’re seeing AT ALL.

Let's bring the tape into it. You have the recordings. Upload them to youtube.

It appears I’m not as tach savy as you (I don’t know how to get the stuff from my DVR to my phone or computer). Why don’t you show some video proof of what you’re talking about (because me bringing it up doesn’t prove anything about your point)? And if you do, show my actual footage, not the three random times he did good things (like in highlights). And then I’ll show you visual evidence to counter your claims in relation to NBA players with better mobility, etc.

Y’know maybe I’m overblowing how bad he is at everything (i like to play devils advocate). Maybe he’s just young and learning. Some games I watch he looks like a different player. I’m watching Texas against VCU and he does have flashes. Catching rebounds at the highest point, running in transition well, etc. with the way he’s running in this game, it looks like he could be a P&R partner. Even handling the ball up court.

[King Ken]

Beyond saying Bamba’s length is insane, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have the Longhorns network and record every Texas game, but I do not see what you’re seeing AT ALL.

Let's bring the tape into it. You have the recordings. Upload them to youtube.

It appears I’m not as tach savy as you (I don’t know how to get the stuff from my DVR to my phone or computer). Why don’t you show some video proof of what you’re talking about (because me bringing it up doesn’t prove anything about your point)? And if you do, show my actual footage, not the three random times he did good things (like in highlights). And then I’ll show you visual evidence to counter your claims in relation to NBA players with better mobility, etc.

I'll rather the gametape but that said, I can do that even with clips. Where do you want to start?

[hadzi dogg]

I can't really vouch much for Bamba, as I haven't seen too much of him. But as an MSU fan I've seen almost every game of Jackson's.

His upside is honestly remarkable to me. Jaren just turned 18, He is over a full year younger then Bamba or DeAndre Ayton. He still has a long way to go. He fouls a lot and chases a lot of blocks but man is his defensive upside exciting. On a per minute basis his shot blocking is similar to Bamba's (per 30 min Jaren averages 4bpg even and Bamba 4.2bpg). He also has shown great upside in defending the perimeter on switches.

On offense I think his low FG% can be attributed to the fact that he is playing solely at Power Forward because of MSU's collection of plodding under the rim big men (Nick Ward, Gavin Schilling, Xavier TIllman, Kenny Goins). He doesn't get a lot of the easy dump off looks a lot of the other freshmen bigs get because his role on offense is primarily floor spacing two of the elite in the pain players in college basketball: Nick Ward and Miles Bridges, and to a lesser extent the backcourt tandem of Winston and Langford who have more space to attack the basket with Jaren spreading the floor.

That being said, he has a long ways to go on offense but there is a lot to like there as well. He is a well above average athlete with a pretty decent jump shot (~84.4% from free throw line is definitely intriguing).

From all accounts of what I've heard is that he is a super responsible kid that is a great listener and will hold himself accountable when he makes mistakes. It is not easy playing for Izzo especially when you're going into the year as a 17 year old. His father was an NBA player so hopefully that helps with his development. I honestly don't know if Izzo has gotten a player with this type of NBA upside in his career so it'll be interesting to see how he pans out.

[doordoor123]

I like Jackson a lot more, but I have a feeling Bamba will be drafted first for his size. Rudy Gobert’s size and length is a game-changer and no one wants to miss out on that.

[Kalela]

Bamba for me but I like Jackson too.

[clyde21]

Slight Jackson Jr.

I have him at 3 and Bamba at 4.

The difference here is obviously the shooting.