A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: 3 Options To Start At Small Forward

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings look on during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings look on during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings drives against D.J. Stephens #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings drives against D.J. Stephens #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Justin Jackson (6’8″ / 200 pounds)

Justin Jackson did not have the best of rookie seasons, but there is definitely a chance he can bounce back in his sophomore year. Optimism towards Jackson started to rise during his summer league campaign this summer. In the seven games the former Tar Heel appeared in, he was the top scorer for his team as he averaged 18.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 45.5% from the court, 31.9% from beyond the arc, and 87% from the free-throw stripe.

For Jackson to be effective, he needs to be a 3-and-D type of player, meaning he must be consistent in making his perimeter shots and defending opponents well. Although it was only summer league, Jackson did show flashes of being that 3-and-D guy that the Kings desperately need.

If Justin is able to continue making gradual improvements, I bet Dave Joerger strongly considers inputting Jackson into his starting five. With Jackson being the only pure small forward on the roster, it would make sense to add him to the lineup by default. But he needs to earn the spot by showing his team he can be a reliable asset on the floor.

light. More. The Sacramento Kings Need Defense From Iman Shumpert

Hopefully, Jackson has been making progress this summer so he can be ready by training camp.

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