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Sacramento Kings: Consistency Is Key For Justin Jackson’s Success

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 26: Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 26, 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 - OCTOBER 26: Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 26, 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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Justin Jackson has been subpar during his sophomore campaign. But there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for the 23-year old prospect.

So far, the Sacramento Kings have been a treat to watch for their fans and others during the 2018-19 NBA season. Their ability to score at a blazing pace has anchored their way to winning eight out of their first 14 games of the season, having them currently in a position to compete in the playoffs. Although there has been a lot of good that has happened for the Kings so far, there are still some ways for the team to vastly improve. To be more specific, let us talk about the small forward position.

Going into the season, the small forward position was considered the weak link on Sacramento’s roster. And so far this year, it has lived up to that assumption. The Kings were hoping Justin Jackson could provide solid minutes for the team at the wing, but it has not been great. For the year, Jackson is averaging 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds a game while shooting 40% from the floor and 26.2% from the perimeter. Not the leap of improvement that most wanted to see from him.

Even though it has been up and down for Jackson this season, he has flashed his potential during games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Milwaukee Bucks. In that trio of games, he is averaging 16.6 points a night while making 69% of his shots from the floor.

Can Jackson Figure It Out?

When Jackson has had success this season, it was due to his ability to make shots and defend his opponents well.

If Jackson is able to make his shots at a reliable rate, it will add more firepower to the Kings’ already high-scoring offense. And if he can also give his opponents fits on defense, which he has the physical tools to do so, he will definitely help his team immensely on the defensive end.

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For Sacramento to continue being successful, they need to have better performances from their wing players. Especially Justin Jackson. It has been inconsistent for Jackson so far during his sophomore season, but if he is able to gradually improve his game throughout this year, he can help the Kings take that next step forward in their rebuild.

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