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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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CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 15: A Chicago Bulls logo is seen on the floor before a game between the Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center on February 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bobcats 106-94. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 15: A Chicago Bulls logo is seen on the floor before a game between the Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center on February 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bobcats 106-94. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Chicago Bulls

This may come as a surprise listing to many. After all, Chicago has the seventh and 21st picks. The reason Chicago is in this list is because the Bulls seem like an ideal trade partner for the Grizzlies and their fourth pick. Pippin Ain’t Easy previewed a potential trade between the teams. The Bulls would get the fourth overall pick and Chandler Parsons, in exchange for shipping Memphis the 7th and 21st overall picks.

The Bulls will probably only make this trade if Luka Doncic falls to the fourth pick. Him falling is an idea that has recently picked up steam. One would then ask: Wouldn’t Memphis want to keep the pick if Doncic is there at 4? Probably. In that case, Chicago could add a piece like Zach Lavine if they’re that high on Doncic.

If Doncic isn’t there, though, Chicago might still try to make this trade if they’re sold on Porter Jr., as it’s now starting to seem like he’s going to end up chosen fairly early.

Either way, it’s hard to see Chicago making this trade to draft Jaren Jackson Jr. They have Lauri Markannen at power forward already. While Jackson Jr. could be paired with nearly anyone due to his skill-set, Chicago probably doesn’t feel a huge need to form this duo. They’d rather hold firm at No. 7 and see what player falls into their laps.

While it probably won’t come into play, there is a personal connection here of note. Jack Hoiberg, who was a teammate of Jackson Jr.’s this past year at MSU, is the son of Fred Hoiberg, the head coach of the Bulls. Here, you can read about Jackson’s “favorite Jack Hoiberg story.”

Overall, the likelihood that Jackson ends up on the Bulls is low.  Regardless, keep an eye on Chicago come draft night.

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