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Michigan State Basketball: 5 potential NBA draft landing spots for Jaren Jackson Jr.

By Justin Thind

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Xavier Tillman #23 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Xavier Tillman #23 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (L) and head coach Rick Carlisle watch the Mavericks take on the Chicago Bulls during a 2017 Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dallas won 91-75. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (L) and head coach Rick Carlisle watch the Mavericks take on the Chicago Bulls during a 2017 Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dallas won 91-75. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have the same need for drafting Jaren Jackson Jr. as the Grizzlies. They also have a veteran big-man on the way out in Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas’ urgency to find someone to replace him becomes increasingly pressing every draft. It doesn’t look like Dirk has many more seasons left at this point. Jackson Jr. would be an ideal candidate to be the successor at the Mavericks’ high post, which Dirk has scored effortlessly from for two decades.

While Dirk remains in Dallas, though, his primary role would be more interior-oriented, unlike Memphis where he’d comfortably be playing the stretch-power forward spot, at least until Gasol’s days are up. Dirk’s playing style has never really been one of an interior banger or prolific rim-protector, which is why Jackson Jr. can be expected to be the primary rim protector for the Mavs.

However, it’s not unlikely that we could see many different offensive looks from the Mavericks next season if they feel playing Jackson on the perimeter is just too lethal to pass up. With the NBA being as fluid as ever, it’s possible that we see the Mavericks increase the usage of five-out & four-out, one-high sets to get Jackson Jr. and Nowitzki some perimeter action.

While Dallas is lacking more than just a top-five pick to be a contender, a trio of Nowitzki, Jackson Jr. and young, exciting point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is one that could boost fan interest and ticket sales for the time being — with Jackson Jr. and Smith Jr. being the start of a new era in Dallas.

With all things considered, though, the odds of Dallas being a landing spot for Jackson are high, with an interesting alternative here being Trae Young. If he is still there at No. 5, he and Smith Jr. could form a lethal backcourt.

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