darealjuice wrote:I still haven't quite jumped on board the "JJJ as a Top 3 Prospect" train yet. It feels like we'd be taking another project on. His efficiency on offense has been elite, it's just the way he scores doesn't make me feel like he has a very developed game on that end. I also feel like he hasn't done it against top competition, as he has scored 5 points or under in 3 of their 4 matchups against ranked teams this year, and the game he scored 19 against #1 Duke was a pre-season tournament game where Bagley got injured mid-way through the first half.
The release on his shot isn't too bad, but I think he's only going to be a spot-up shooter until he figures out how to shoot without leaning and jumping forward like 2 feet. He gets a ton of wide open shots with that team, and I've seen his form get really thrown off when he doesn't have a good amount of space to shoot. He's also only made 3 unassisted jump shots all season according to hoop-math, so he probably isn't the most comfortable pulling up off the dribble when he gets chased off the 3 point line. I do like that he's shown a little bit of handle and slashing from the mid-range/perimeter, but I've rarely seen him do anything that wasn't straight line driving left with a spin back to his right to shoot when he can't get directly to the rim. I don't doubt that he can develop an offensive game, just that he's probably going to be more spot up shooting and energy plays for the first few years on that end.
His upside on defense is huge though. That combination of length, mobility, and shot blocking is only matched by Bamba for potential centers. However, his rebounding rate worries me compared to the other big men, especially considering our big men aren't great rebounders either, and I don't like that his foul problems have been a big reason why he's not able to be on the court more than 22 minutes per game. I like him a lot for a project and wouldn't shy away from drafting him if he was the best option left on the board, but sometimes it almost seems like people here feel like JJJ will have a smooth transition because his dad was a pro and Booker's dad was also a pro.
I know what you are saying, but read this article and it might put your mind at ease...
--ONE long-2 all year?
--Best TS% with lowest 2PT ATR? 3PT + FTs
--Umm...Defense...outside to inside...
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/2/6/16976438/jaren-jackson-jr-best-big-man-draftHe's versatile, is what this article is saying. I think it's hard to pin down anything he does well EXCEPT for being an insane shot blocker...which is scary. But apparently, his shooting form is on purpose and here to stay...and oh...it works.
So, while I agree with you, I also read through this article, and a lot of it makes sense. But TBH, I'd have a heck of a hard time selecting him over Ayton, and he's about on par with Bagley for me (but that's me; many have JJJ ahead of Bagley now).
But if McD took JJJ, I wouldn't be surprised; it's his MO--highly-developmental, high-ceiling types. I'm not sure if he has time for that, though, IMO. I think he needs to win this year, so if I'm him, I'm taking a contributor from day one, and that's Doncic, Ayton, Bagley, or, Miles Bridges (PF), Carter, and leaving Young, JJJ, and maybe even Bamba for other teams to develop. Shot-blocking is nice; scoring is better. If you want Blocked shots, get Gafford or Robert Williams with the Miami pick.