Why Isaiah Jackson could have an inside track to the Hornets in the 2021 NBA draft
The Charlotte Hornets’ search for a big man to pair with LaMelo Ball will be perhaps the main focus of the franchise this summer when it comes to roster moves. With the ability to add through the draft, free agency or even a trade, the possibilities are effectively endless for Charlotte.
One of the more intriguing ways they could address the need, though, could be through one specific draft prospect. Kentucky’s Isaiah Jackson looks set to likely be a lottery selection and certainly a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Jackson worked out with the Hornets on July 3, but a recent piece for 247Sports’ Cats Pause revealed he had another workout with Charlotte as well. While he may be one of a number of big man prospects the team could consider with the No. 11 pick, that he received a second workout seems telling to some degree.
On top of receiving a second workout, the Hornets could have even more intel on Jackson as well. Prior to Ball joining the NBL and Illawarra Hawks, he spent one season at SPIRE Institute, coached by his current manager Jermaine Jackson. Playing at center for that SPIRE side was none other than Jackson.
The two had a nice bond together on the court with Jackson being the vertical threat Ball found most often with his alley-oops. Their bond was a lasting one as they’ve remained in touch through social media in the years since whether it was wishing each other happy birthdays or Ball checking in on his teammates during games last season.
The Hornets aren’t in need of making roster moves simply to please Ball, unlike some franchises. Jackson, though, isn’t a player getting an extra look simply because he’s Ball’s former teammate.
Last season with Kentucky, Jackson averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and an impressive 2.6 blocks per game. Against Kansas early in the season, Jackson finished with seven points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. He tallied seven blocks against Alabama later in the year as well.
At 6-foot-10 with a wingspan of 7-foot-2.5 and an ability to jump out of the gym, there aren’t many shots Jackson can’t reach to block. His ability to run in the open court bodes well for a Hornets team that ranked 10th in the league in fastbreak points at 13.6 per game, a figure that only dropped late in the year after Ball’s injury.
Jackson represents a lot of things the Hornets need in a big man, but that applies to multiple teams ahead and behind Charlotte in the draft order. If he’s available with the No. 11 pick, he would give the Hornets a very interesting dilemma, but it’s hard to imagine many teams would have more information on Jackson than the Hornets.
