A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 32
Next
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Portland Trail Blazers- Justin Jackson- SF- North Carolina

The Portland Trail Blazers have limited cap flexibility, so their chance to improve this offseason comes through the draft.  Portland owns the rights to this selection and picks 20 and 26, so they could be a team wheeling, and dealing on draft night.  Be on the lookout for trades involving the Blazers.

Portland could use a combo forward that plays good defense and a player who is ready to step in play from day one.  The Trail Blazers view their window for a championship as wide open, so they need an NBA ready player.

Why Justin Jackson?

Justin Jackson’s A Royal Prospect Profile

Jackson is fresh off winning the ACC Player of the Year and a National Championship with the Tar Heels.  He is already 22 years old, but he is ready for the league.  The transformations Jackson made to his game during his time at UNC are evident.  He is a young man who works hard and wants to be great.

He fits well with the Blazers.  Jackson should provide another floor spacer for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to operate.  His defense and intangibles should translate well to the league.  Sure this is an older player, and that seems scary, but it falls in line with Portland’s win now philosophy.  The Blazers have had success selecting older players in the draft, and I believe they take the chance again in 2017.

Home/Kings News