A Royal Pain
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Fit Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

By Michael Dugger

Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dunks against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Josh Perkins (13) in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Steppig/NCAA Photos/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dunks against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Josh Perkins (13) in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Steppig/NCAA Photos/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

10) Sacramento Kings- Justin Jackson, Forward, North Carolina, Junior

Stats per game 2016-17: 32.2 MIN/18.3 PTS/53.1 eFG%/36.8 3PT%/4.7 REB/2.8 AST/0.2 BLK/0.8 STL

Measurements from 2017 NBA Draft Combine: 6’8 ¼” height with shoes/201 lbs. /6’11” wingspan/8’8 ½ standing reach

With some high-quality players remaining on the board, selecting Justin Jackson seems like a reach. Malik Monk and Markkanen would are two of the top shooters in the draft, an area of great need for the Kings. But their games are one-dimensional at this phase, and this team needs help in every facet.

Jackson was the 2016-17 ACC Player of the Year and led North Carolina to the National Championship. He improved his jump shot and is effective shooting off screens from anywhere. Jackson never stops moving to get open and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. He uses an array of floaters to finish around the rim off the bounce or can make the simple pass.

Jackson showed the ability to lockdown guards and wings with his length and quickness. In this draft, adding Fox and Jackson would allow Head Coach Dave Joerger to hide Buddy Hield and give the Kings potential to build a strong defense. Jackson is a perfect role player to allow the other young pieces to develop their games. With Anunoby and Isaac gone, Justin Jackson would continue Sacramento’s movement towards the modern offense with versatility on both sides of the floor. I’d like to see the Kings pass on another big man in Markkanen or Zach Collins in this scenario with Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere already in place.

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