Pelicans Select Frank Jackson with 31st Pick in 2017 NBA Draft

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Published: June 22, 2017

Entering tonight’s NBA draft, the Pelicans held the 40th and 52nd picks. At the start of the 2nd round, that changed, as New Orleans packaged that 40th pick with a currently undisclosed amount of cash in a trade with Charlotte. In return, the Pelicans received the 31st overall selection – the first pick in the second round. The team used this pick to select Frank Jackson, a 6’3” who previously attended Duke University. Jackson is a relatively young freshman, having turned 19 about six weeks ago on May 8th. He measured out at 6’3.5″ at the draft combine, but his wingspan is considerably longer – 6’7.5″. These measurements are similar to another Pelicans guard – Jrue Holiday, whose came in at 6’4.25″ tall with a wingspan of 6’7″.

Draft Express Player Profile

College Stats (via Basketball-Reference)

A few other notes about Jackson:

  • He attempted 130 three-pointers during his only season at Duke, making about 51 (39%) of them. He coupled that shooting with a 75.5% mark from the free throw line (77-102). Not enough of a sample size to draw any firm conclusions, but promising nonetheless.
  • His free throw rate (free throw attempts per field goal attempt) was .363 – for comparison’s sake, Russell Westbrook’s was .300 this season for OKC. He sustained this high rate despite almost half of his field goal attempts (46.3%) coming from long range. Incredibly efficient scoring mentality.
  • He is widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the draft, which could especially benefit him on the defensive side of the ball. When paired with his above average wingspan, he has the makings of a player who could defend both guard positions well.
  • He is somewhat of a shooting guard in a point guard’s body – his passing numbers for a guard left a decent amount to be desired. 1.7 assists per game in 25 minutes per game is hardly anything to write home about.
  • Jackson underwent foot surgery in May and is expected to fully recover from the procedure some time in July. The injury will likely keep him out of summer league, but there are no concerns about his ability to heal in time for training camp.

More to come soon!

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