And Then There Was One: Thank Nation 2. Raps pick 23rd

[10giz]

OG, Kurucs and Bolden look like solid choices. Could definitely see us getting a 3.

Bolden in particular looks really intriguing. He was Norms teammate 2 years ago IIRC.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Can Jonah Bolden play the 3 or is he strictly/mostly a 4? Because if he can play the 3 the majority of the time he becomes EXTREMELY intriguing. But if he's more of a 4 he's simple passable imo.

[10giz]

Can Jonah Bolden play the 3 or is he strictly/mostly a 4? Because if he can play the 3 the majority of the time he becomes EXTREMELY intriguing. But if he's more of a 4 he's simple passable imo.

He definitely looks quick enough to play the 3. 6'10 with a 7'3 wingspan.

The thing with him is he seems to have very, very good hands as evidenced by his ability to catch literally any alley oop as well as shoot well from beyond.

[OAKLEY_2]

Holy crap am i reading this right? Thornwell had a 44 pts 21 reb game?? This dude looks like an elite rebounder for a SG

There is one clip where he goes up incredibly strong against much bigger competition for an offensive board and just inhales it with one arm. To me it showed he is a superb rebounder. Cannot understand why he hasn't cracked round one in mocks. When workouts happen expect him to rise. Versatile wing talent that is highly motivated you can never have enough of.

[DreamTeam09]

Can Jonah Bolden play the 3 or is he strictly/mostly a 4? Because if he can play the 3 the majority of the time he becomes EXTREMELY intriguing. But if he's more of a 4 he's simple passable imo.

He definitely looks quick enough to play the 3. 6'10 with a 7'3 wingspan.

The thing with him is he seems to have very, very good hands as evidenced by his ability to catch literally any alley oop as well as shoot well from beyond.

He looks like he can play the 3. He's kinda built like Tobias, who is playing the 3 for the most part, but this kid looks to be a better defender and more mobile/agile.

He's number 1 on my draft board.

[DreamTeam09]

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Getting-to-Know-Jonah-Bolden-5770/

Towards the end he talks about working on his perimeter skills even more and being able to switch onto smaller players and being competitive about it.

[HeadtopChunes]

These are the guys that I have done research on. Feel free to correct anything. Some 2nd round picks would be useful this draft. I'm not sure who to use our first on at this point.

OG ANUNONBY (SF/PF)
- Very High Defensive Potential.
- Very raw offensively
- Torn ACL
- Probably out of Raptors range might need a trade to acquire.
- Reported extreme length (7'6 wingspan?)
- Very athletic (don't know how the injury impacts this.)

SEMI OJELEYE (SF/PF)
- Very Efficient Scorer
- Can score on catch and shoot, pick and pop and ISO
- Shot 42% from 3
- Built like a truck
- Not super quick laterally ability to play NBA 3 consistently is a question.
- Very athletic
- Defensively suspect (only averaged 0.4stls and 0.4blks)

Ivan Rabb (PF/C)
- Nice profile 6'10 with 7'2 wingspan (9ft standing reach)
- Very Quick feet
- High IQ Player
- Not much of a shooter
- Mostly scored via post ups
- Not good FT% (66%)
- Very Good rebounder

Harry Giles (PF/C)
- Elite Rebounder
- Very high ceiling (star potential.)
- Elite defensive potential
- 6'11 with a 7'3 wingspan
- Very quick can play above the rim
- Raw offensively has shown flashes of post game/mid range shot
- Tendency to force things when not working
- Worrying injury history (2 torn ACLs)

Jaron Blossomgame (SF/PF)
-6'7 with 6'10 wingspan
- explosive vertical
- good rebounder
- has tools to be a good defender 1-4 but fails to remain engaged all the time
- Shooting woes? Shot 25% from 3 this season after shooting 45% as a junior? Jumper might be broken.
- Not versatile offensively.
- Not a high IQ player
- Low upside

Wesley Iwundu (SG/SF)
- Great Physical Tools (6'7 with a 7ft wingspan.)
- Quick with decent vertical
- Very good defender, guard 1-3.
- Would need to bulk up to consistently guard NBA 3s
- Very good playmaker with good passing ability
- Not a good shooter 36% from 3 but only on 2.4 attempts a game
- 36% on 2 point jumpers.

[_MidNight_]

Jonah Bolden

Watch on YouTube

Please draft this guy. At his size and length, defensive versatility with a legit jumper. Leaping ability to boot. He has it all.

Plus he can handle a bit. This is the type of prospect we need BADLY! He's so versatile too, can play 3/4 and a bit of small ball 5. Plus the kid can guard on the switch!

[HeadtopChunes]

Jonah Bolden

Watch on YouTube

Please draft this guy. At his size and length, defensive versatility with a legit jumper. Leaping ability to boot. He has it all.

Plus he can handle a bit. This is the type of prospect we need BADLY! He's so versatile too, can play 3/4 and a bit of small ball 5. Plus the kid can guard on the switch!

He seems too perfect. What are the negatives here? I heard about some character issues breaking team rules multiple times at UCLA. Also Im not sure about​ him playing full time 3. His FT% is unimpressive too. Besides that he looks like a great stretch 4 prospect.

[Johnny Bball]

Please God... whatever we do, just not Kurucs. I can't handle round 2 of the nationalism tour or in house civil war.

[Mark_83]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

[super_balls]

Please draft this guy. At his size and length, defensive versatility with a legit jumper. Leaping ability to boot. He has it all.

Plus he can handle a bit. This is the type of prospect we need BADLY! He's so versatile too, can play 3/4 and a bit of small ball 5. Plus the kid can guard on the switch!

He seems too perfect. What are the negatives here? I heard about some character issues breaking team rules multiple times at UCLA. Also Im not sure about​ him playing full time 3. His FT% is unimpressive too. Besides that he looks like a great stretch 4 prospect.

Wow, I am super intrigued by this kid. The problem is we have 2 prospects that are pretty similar in Bruno and Pascal, both of whom we still need to develop. If we still had a 2nd rounder, I would be all in.

[Psubs]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

He also shoots it with NBA range with 3.2 attempts per game. He has gigantic hands!

Maybe he's too bulky? He looks strong but at 230 lbs may be too heavy.

[BoyzNTheHood]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:

Jackson has the length and versatility to play anywhere from 3-5, and the fact that he was able to make an impressive 43% of his 3-pointers really helped spread the floor for point guard Melo Trimble.

Jackson had some of the most impressive measurements seen from anyone at this event on either roster, standing 6'7 with an outrageous 7'3 wingspan, a 229 pound frame and gigantic hands. While not freakishly athletic, he's easily big enough to play power forward at pretty much any level, and may even be able to operate as somewhat of a small-ball 5 in the Draymond Green mold.

Jackson has always been a solid ball-handler, and he was very aggressive looking to push the ball in the open floor and get to the basket. He has a solid first step in the half-court as well, even if he's not the most advanced ball-handler you'll find, as is still figuring out the nuances of creating high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates off the bounce. He tends to just lower his shoulder and attack the defense in a straight line regardless of what's in front of him, even though his passing ability seems to have improved over time and he can create a bit for others in drive and dish situations. Defensively, Jackson has great tools with his strength and length, and is willing to put the effort in to get stops. He shows good instincts on the glass, in the passing lanes and even blocking shots on occasion, which could help him develop into a multi-positional defender in time as his feel for the game and experience-level improves with better coaching.

-Very talented offensive player. Can do a little bit of everything

Can create his own shot effectively. Did quite a bit of ball-handling for Canada, in transition, isolation and pick and roll ball-handling situations

Tremendous rebounder for a wing. 11 rebounds per-40 at U19s

With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

[pbj]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

He also shoots it with NBA range with 3.2 attempts per game. He has gigantic hands!

Maybe he's too bulky? He looks strong but at 230 lbs may be too heavy.

With a name like Justin Jackson, he's almost guaranteed a 15 year NBA career hopping between +10 different teams - despite being a pretty effective player and having season averages of like 14-17PPG

I'm on board!

[Mark_83]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:

Jackson has the length and versatility to play anywhere from 3-5, and the fact that he was able to make an impressive 43% of his 3-pointers really helped spread the floor for point guard Melo Trimble.

Jackson had some of the most impressive measurements seen from anyone at this event on either roster, standing 6'7 with an outrageous 7'3 wingspan, a 229 pound frame and gigantic hands. While not freakishly athletic, he's easily big enough to play power forward at pretty much any level, and may even be able to operate as somewhat of a small-ball 5 in the Draymond Green mold.

Jackson has always been a solid ball-handler, and he was very aggressive looking to push the ball in the open floor and get to the basket. He has a solid first step in the half-court as well, even if he's not the most advanced ball-handler you'll find, as is still figuring out the nuances of creating high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates off the bounce. He tends to just lower his shoulder and attack the defense in a straight line regardless of what's in front of him, even though his passing ability seems to have improved over time and he can create a bit for others in drive and dish situations. Defensively, Jackson has great tools with his strength and length, and is willing to put the effort in to get stops. He shows good instincts on the glass, in the passing lanes and even blocking shots on occasion, which could help him develop into a multi-positional defender in time as his feel for the game and experience-level improves with better coaching.

-Very talented offensive player. Can do a little bit of everything

Can create his own shot effectively. Did quite a bit of ball-handling for Canada, in transition, isolation and pick and roll ball-handling situations

Tremendous rebounder for a wing. 11 rebounds per-40 at U19s

With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

Yeah I really like him as a 3/4 hybrid. I also like Jonah Bolden as well. I wonder how hard it would be to get another pick.

If we can't trade up for Anunoby I'll be happy with one of these guys and maybe buy a 2nd rounder to get Robinson or Iwundu.

[HeadtopChunes]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:

Jackson has the length and versatility to play anywhere from 3-5, and the fact that he was able to make an impressive 43% of his 3-pointers really helped spread the floor for point guard Melo Trimble.

Jackson had some of the most impressive measurements seen from anyone at this event on either roster, standing 6'7 with an outrageous 7'3 wingspan, a 229 pound frame and gigantic hands. While not freakishly athletic, he's easily big enough to play power forward at pretty much any level, and may even be able to operate as somewhat of a small-ball 5 in the Draymond Green mold.

Jackson has always been a solid ball-handler, and he was very aggressive looking to push the ball in the open floor and get to the basket. He has a solid first step in the half-court as well, even if he's not the most advanced ball-handler you'll find, as is still figuring out the nuances of creating high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates off the bounce. He tends to just lower his shoulder and attack the defense in a straight line regardless of what's in front of him, even though his passing ability seems to have improved over time and he can create a bit for others in drive and dish situations. Defensively, Jackson has great tools with his strength and length, and is willing to put the effort in to get stops. He shows good instincts on the glass, in the passing lanes and even blocking shots on occasion, which could help him develop into a multi-positional defender in time as his feel for the game and experience-level improves with better coaching.

-Very talented offensive player. Can do a little bit of everything

Can create his own shot effectively. Did quite a bit of ball-handling for Canada, in transition, isolation and pick and roll ball-handling situations

Tremendous rebounder for a wing. 11 rebounds per-40 at U19s

With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

Yeah I really like him as a 3/4 hybrid. I also like Jonah Bolden as well. I wonder how hard it would be to get another pick.

If we can't trade up for Anunoby I'll be happy with one of these guys and maybe buy a 2nd rounder to get Robinson or Iwundu.

Can he play the 3? His lateral speed looks a bit too slow. Seems more like a 4.

[CoachJReturns]

What do you guys think about the other Justin Jackson, the Canadian playing for Maryland. He's definitely raw and a project of sorts but he offers an intriguing package. He'll probably withdraw unless he gets a promise but he's in for now.

6'7 and 230 lbs with a 7'3 wingspan

Pros:
-Beautiful 3 pt shot (43.4%)
-Reputation for being good defensively (almost a steal and block per game in 28 mins)
-High IQ with good vision despite low assist numbers

Cons:
-Only average to slightly above athlete
-Needs to improve ball handing.

Watch on YouTube

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:

Jackson has the length and versatility to play anywhere from 3-5, and the fact that he was able to make an impressive 43% of his 3-pointers really helped spread the floor for point guard Melo Trimble.

Jackson had some of the most impressive measurements seen from anyone at this event on either roster, standing 6'7 with an outrageous 7'3 wingspan, a 229 pound frame and gigantic hands. While not freakishly athletic, he's easily big enough to play power forward at pretty much any level, and may even be able to operate as somewhat of a small-ball 5 in the Draymond Green mold.

Jackson has always been a solid ball-handler, and he was very aggressive looking to push the ball in the open floor and get to the basket. He has a solid first step in the half-court as well, even if he's not the most advanced ball-handler you'll find, as is still figuring out the nuances of creating high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates off the bounce. He tends to just lower his shoulder and attack the defense in a straight line regardless of what's in front of him, even though his passing ability seems to have improved over time and he can create a bit for others in drive and dish situations. Defensively, Jackson has great tools with his strength and length, and is willing to put the effort in to get stops. He shows good instincts on the glass, in the passing lanes and even blocking shots on occasion, which could help him develop into a multi-positional defender in time as his feel for the game and experience-level improves with better coaching.

-Very talented offensive player. Can do a little bit of everything

Can create his own shot effectively. Did quite a bit of ball-handling for Canada, in transition, isolation and pick and roll ball-handling situations

Tremendous rebounder for a wing. 11 rebounds per-40 at U19s

With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

Yeah I really like him as a 3/4 hybrid. I also like Jonah Bolden as well. I wonder how hard it would be to get another pick.

If we can't trade up for Anunoby I'll be happy with one of these guys and maybe buy a 2nd rounder to get Robinson or Iwundu.

I haven't brought him up all year because he's been projected in mocks to come out next year. I think he needs another year in college, but I suppose he could just as easily spend that year with the 905. I remember reading about him and seeing video of him in high school and he thought of himself as a point guard. That hasn't translated to the college level, but he still has good handles for a player his size. Masai loves wingspan, so I'm sure he'll give him a long look if he stays in the draft. We may also need more rebounding in the future if JV's role is diminished, or he's ever traded. Seems like a near perfect fit for this team to be honest.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:













With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

Yeah I really like him as a 3/4 hybrid. I also like Jonah Bolden as well. I wonder how hard it would be to get another pick.

If we can't trade up for Anunoby I'll be happy with one of these guys and maybe buy a 2nd rounder to get Robinson or Iwundu.

Can he play the 3? His lateral speed looks a bit too slow. Seems more like a 4.

Wasn't really able to showcase his skills at Maryland playing with garbage like Melo Trimble. They honestly should have let Trimble play off the ball and have Jackson run the offense.

Defensively he's advertised to be able to guard 3-5, but against NBA talent we'll have to wait and see.

[Mark_83]

I forgot to bring him up yesterday, so thanks for this post. I really like him tools wise. Like you say, a big beefy kid with a humongous wingspan. If his hands measure exceptionally he's basically a thicker Kawhi Leonard size wise.

Some excerpts from his DX profile:













With all that said, on paper there's no better fit for our roster than Justin Jackson other than maybe OG Anunoby. Quite honestly, Justin probably has better tools because of his large hands. Just like Kawhi Leonard, Jackson will be able to palm to ball while he dribbles which allows for that illegal carry move to get to places he wants to go easier (it's never called on guys with large hands because they're able to keep their hands on top of the ball).

This kid has an all-around style. You can play him from the 3-5 and he can do a little bit of everything. Just like the quotes from DX say, he can shoot, handle, pass and defend. Once he declared he moved to #1 on my board. This is the closest thing to Kawhi Leonard we've seen since Kawhi, except Justin can already shoot unlike Kawhi. Add to the fact that he's #TeamCanada and we can't lose if we take this kid.

Yeah I really like him as a 3/4 hybrid. I also like Jonah Bolden as well. I wonder how hard it would be to get another pick.

If we can't trade up for Anunoby I'll be happy with one of these guys and maybe buy a 2nd rounder to get Robinson or Iwundu.

Can he play the 3? His lateral speed looks a bit too slow. Seems more like a 4.

Definitely looks like more of a 4/3 than a 3/4, but he looks faster and more coordinated than Bruno FWIW.