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Why The Charlotte Hornets Need to Draft Justin Jackson

By Giovanni Spillman

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets’ are in need of a difference maker and Justin Jackson could be just that if the team decides to select him in the upcoming draft.

While the Charlotte Hornets are on the verge of getting back into the playoffs, the thought of the upcoming NBA Draft is still on their mind. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist‘s offensive struggles and the team’s lack of offensive production, it may be time to look for a replacement in the draft. This is one of the deepest drafts in recent history and even though they will likely be picking late in the lottery, there are still plenty of quality prospects.

Justin Jackson is one of these promising players. With this loaded draft class, he could very well likely fall to the Hornets. Even DraftExpress.com has him going 12 to Charlotte.

Jackon has been a stellar player for the North Carolina Tarheels for three years now. He capped his college career this season by winning the National Championship. That speaks to his winning mentality and ability to lead a team to success. While having another good season this year, he also scored another award as the ACC Player of the Year.

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The 6’8 small forward was able to knock down 105 threes this season while averaging 18.4 points per game. Jackson would provide hustle much like MKG but also outside shooting for the Hornets which they lack. While the team cannot rely on Kidd-Gilchrist on the offensive end every night, Jackson would provide both defense and offense. He has the height and athleticism to be a dominant forward in the NBA.

His ability to score and shoot from deep is the biggest advantage that Jackson could bring to Charlotte. His 36.8% from three this past year in college is promising. The Hornets need more scoring. They have relied way too heavily on Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum hasn’t proved to be a good enough second option. Justin wouldn’t automatically be a secondary scorer or average 20+ but he would, at the very least, take some of the weight off of Kemba’s shoulders.

Compared to the rest of the league, our Small-Foward position lacks offensive efficiency. While MKG is a great player that works extremely hard, his lack of an outside shot is somewhat of a detriment to the team. By adding a player like Jackson to the starting lineup, it could pay dividends for Charlotte.

Most people who have come out of UNC have been successful in the NBA. Michael Jordan has also expressed interest in his former school’s player as well. Justin will surely be on the Hornets’ radar but it will all come down to where the team finishes and how far he falls in the draft.

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The Hornets currently have five players on their roster who have won a college National Championship. Although winning a National Championship in college doesn’t result in NBA success, it doesn’t’ hurt. Draft Jackson would immediately help Charlotte on the offensive end and his length, quickness, strength and athleticism should make him a capable defender on the defensive end.

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