Kentucky center Isaiah Jackson scouting report: Should Raptors, Thunder be interested?

Isaiah Jackson scouting report: NBA Fit

A good player comparison for Jackson would be a skinnier version of Cleveland Cavaliers big Jarrett Allen, although Jackson might somehow be the better prospect due to his athletic ability. As soon as he steps on an NBA floor, Jackson will be able to attack the rim, show his versatility on defense, and block shots.

Jackson will likely need to come off of the bench, as he is too darn raw to seriously challenge for a starting spot unless he ends up on a team so deficient at the center position that they are forced to give him some extra burn as a rookie.

Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Jackson could be a fit, but he’s very raw

The Raptors are in dire need of a center after the Aron Baynes nightmare, and Jackson looks like a potential long-term solution with a huge reservoir of talent. However, Toronto is an extremely puzzling fit for Jackson, as they could give him the chance to either develop into a star or crash out of the league instantly.

On one hand, Jackson will go to a team that has a reputation for developing raw players (specifically raw, skinny big men like Chris Boucher) and will give him the chance to earn NBA minutes right out of the gate. He also won’t be asked to score a ton on offense.

On the other, that early playing time could be a double-edged sword, as Jackson is so raw that he might not solve the rebounding and defense issues for a team that has playoff aspirations. Jackson’s development will need to be handled with care, but he could become one of the true stars of this class.