Pacers Draft Prep: What if Justin Jackson slides out of the lottery?

North Carolina forward Justin Jackson has seen a rise up draft boards. He was in Indianapolis Thursday for a workout with the Pacers.

Justin Jackson may have been the most improved player in college basketball last season. Now, it will take a slide for him to be available for the Pacers next Thursday.

After returning to school, Jackson led North Carolina to a National Championship in 2016-17. A huge part of their run was Jackson’s improved jump shot. He worked on his shot from mid-range and from the three-point line in the offseason and his numbers improved dramatically. The redefined shot made Jackson a matchup nightmare all season.

Strengths

Jackson showed his work ethic in the offseason. He wanted to go back to school and prove that he was a star. And that he did. He averaged 6.2 more points last year than his sophomore season, totaling 18.3 points per game. His three-point percentage rose from 29.9 percent to 37 percent. Shooting the ball well will allow Jackson to stay in the NBA for a long time.

His size and shooting combine to make him a versatile player. At 6-foot-8 with a consistent jump shot, Jackson can really play any position two through four. He can spread the floor as a wing or as a stretch-four.

Jackson can step into the rotation from day one with his versatility and offensive ability. Add in defensive potential and he could be a steal if he falls out of the lottery.

Weaknesses

Although Jackson has length, he doesn’t have a strong frame. He weighs just 201 pounds and has a very slender build. It will be in his best interest to bulk up at the next level if he wants to avoid getting tossed around.

Jackson is also not a superior athlete. He is a bit slow on his feet and lacks explosiveness. He may be a liability on defense, especially if he is posted on the low block.

A slight flaw in his game is his free-throw percentage. 2016-17 was his best year from the charity stripe, and even then he only hit 74.8 percent. It would benefit him if he showed more consistency.

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In the last three months or so, Jackson has jump up mock drafts. It now seems unlikely he is available at No. 18, but the Pacers should hope he is there. His shooting ability will keep him around the league for over a decade if healthy.