What are people's thoughts on this fella? Just reading an interview with him, seems like an extremely intelligent fellow. I've grown to love his game, and to be perfectly honest he reminds me a lot of Brent Barry. He's taller and left handed, athletic and has uncanny basketball smarts. He is also got a killer work ethic, and is close friends with Luke Ridnour. At the moment he is seen as a mid to late first round pick, but I am guessing that will rise to the 12-15 range by the time the draft rolls around. If we trade Lewis, as expected, would it be worth taking a serious look at him? Hometown boy, can play IMO the 1, 2 and 3 at NBA level, and is close to the other Luke. I think Portland at the moment would be favourites to take him, but I really like his chances at making it at NBA level.
I'm a big Pac-10 watcher and I really don't see what's so special abuot Luke Jackson. He's a fine shooter, but there is no way he can guard at the NBA level...he reminds me of Ryan Mendez (who didn't make it to the league). ... word has it Jackson will be a 1st rounder, but honestly I would put a lot of guys ahead of him...
^ Fair enough, NMG. I would say I haven't seen nearly as much of him as you, but what intrigues me about him are his basketball smarts and the fact that he's a leftie. A lot of guys come into the league being sub-par defenders and are forced to learn the trade (Ridnour being one), but you can't teach a guy natural instincts.
I've seen my share of Pac-10 games myself. The only thing Jackson lacks is the natural athletic ability and quickness that other players have. He'll be a fine defender if he plays small forward, because he knows how to stay in front of his man. He'll probably never be able to guard some of the better shooting guards in the league, but hopefully he'll also never be expected to.
Well, while Jackson seems like an intriguing prospect to a lot of people, we have to consider the Sonics' needs. There has been a lot of talk about the Sonics needing toughness and defense...I think will can all agree that Jackson brings neither of those attributes to the table. The Sonics don't need another finese player.
The only finesse in Jackson's game is that he's a shooter and not a banger down low. He was one of the toughest guys mentally in college basketball last year, in my opinion, since he basically had to will his own team to wins by himself.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Casual:</div><div class="quote_post">The only finesse in Jackson's game is that he's a shooter and not a banger down low. He was one of the toughest guys mentally in college basketball last year, in my opinion, since he basically had to will his own team to wins by himself.</div> That may be true, I'm not in position to gauge his mental makeup, but the fact remains that he is a) a shooter not a banger c) not a defender The Sonics have plenty of shooters, and not enough "bangers" and "defenders" on their squad. Jackson would actually fit right into the sonics, and that's the problem....they need change...
Luke is a true competitor and whatever team gets him will be an absolute steal. I've never seen one guy control a team like Luke did with the Ducks last year. He was always the first guy to create off the dribble and make things happen. I would love to get him if we weren't so stacked at his positions. We have to go after our needs though, and draft a big man.
NMG, I am considering Jackson as a possibility if the team's build up is changed dramatically over the off-season - as in trading Rashard Lewis and relieving the guard logjam. As it stands, there would be absolutely no point in drafting Luke Jackson and we have too many of his type. If management dismantles the team to a point where he would fit the system, I would be very happy with drafting him as I am a big fan. As it stands currently, he shouldn't even be on management's minds.
We really don't need him right now...He does not bring what we are looking for..Toughness..Defense and Rebounding..It would be a waste..Our team is soft and unwilling already..No need to make it any softer..We first need to look for a 5...Im prety sure the trade for E-Brand for Ray would work out....And that woud give us a tough and rugged front court too!
