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Charlotte Hornets: Frank Jackson is worth a look in the Second Round

By Jerry Stephens

Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) shoots the ball against the defense of Syracuse Orange guard John Gillon (4) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) shoots the ball against the defense of Syracuse Orange guard John Gillon (4) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 78-75. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets have a need at backup point guard and Frank Jackson could fill that role if the team selects him in the second round.

After only one season at Duke, Frank Jackson chose to declare for the NBA Draft. Although he originally kept his options open about returning to school, his showing at the draft combine convinced him to sign with an agent and officially leave college. The point guard is projected to be a second-round pick and could be the perfect candidate for the Charlotte Hornets who are set to pick 41st overall.

With 12 players signed through next season for the Hornets, they don’t have many needs but one glaring hole is the backup point guard spot. Ramon Sessions and Brian Roberts didn’t work out behind Kemba Walker in the rotation this past season and both of their contracts are up this summer. They are unlikely to be re-signed so that means that the team needs to add a backup point guard.

If they don’t select a point guard prospect in the first round like Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith and go with a forward or big man instead, then the second round will be an opportunity to grab a backup. There is still a chance that Charlotte could sign one in free agency but that would cost them more than taking draft one.

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During his freshman season under Mike Krzyzewski, Jackson averaged 10.9 points per game, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He made 36 appearances and saw 24.9 minutes per game. He also shot 53.9% from inside the arc, 39.5% from three and 75.5% from the free throw line. Despite the somewhat low numbers, Frank is still considered a top prospect as he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school.

DraftExpress.com has Jackson being picked by the Philadelphia 76ers at 39. Frank could easily fall to the Hornets and if he does, he would be the perfect selection for them in the second round. He not only fills a need for them but the 19-year old also provides the perfect combination of risk and reward.

Taking a chance on Jackson wouldn’t cost Charlotte much but they could be rewarded in a big way if he turns out to be their backup point guard in the future. Frank is still pretty raw and he has a few weaknesses in his game and there will be growing pains if the Hornets take him but there is a strong chance that he could be a valuable backup point guard down the road for whichever team selects him.

I believe that he not only has the upside to be a quality NBA player but also the ability to fit in Steve Clifford’s system. The Hornets already interviewed Jackson at the NBA Draft Combine so it is clear that they are interested in the prospect.

Next: Frank Ntilikina is the right choice for Charlotte

A lot of things will have to go Charlotte’s way but if Frank does fall in the second round, Rich Cho and Michael Jordan should seriously consider taking him. Also, since he is from Duke, that gives him ties to North Carolina.

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