With the 45th pick in the 2016 NBA draft the Boston Celtics select Demetrius Jackson! Point Guard! Notre Dame!
Demetrius Jackson will be sticking with the Irish theme and heading to Boston. Not only are the Celtics already considered one of the best teams in the East, but they also had eight picks in this draft! Jackson will be joining a beefy and talented roster, to say the least.
The Celtics already have 4 point guards: All-star Isaiah Thomas, big guard Marcus Smart, defensive specialist Avery Bradley, and point-forward Evan Turner. Honestly though, the latter 3 can all play at shooting guard or forward. Jackson, on the other hand, is a pure point guard much like Thomas. D.J. is definitely stronger than Thomas. And he may even be faster? But, Jackson can learn a few things from the veteran Isaiah on the offensive end.
On the defensive side, Jackson has indicated a desire and shown an ability to become elite. I think a Jackson/Bradley backcourt would be a tough defensive lineup for any team to face. Every time I see D.J. play, he reminds me of a Derrick Rose or even Russell Westbrook type of player. All three use superior strength and athleticism to get to the hoop. And they all have incredible leaping ability (D.J. jumped 43.5 inches in the vertical jump).
Although, he slipped into the mid-second round, I think Demetrius can surprise a lot of people and may even give Thomas fits during practice.
One thing is for sure, though: We can all look forward to watching Demetrius Jackson in the NBA playoffs next year!
- Scouting Report: Nevada - September 1, 2016
- Scouting Report: Duke - August 13, 2016
- Scouting Report: NC State - August 5, 2016
