Markelle Fultz at the number one draft pick? Not so fast. The 6'4 guard from Washington has been linked to the Boston Celtics and their number one draft selection for weeks since the draft lottery, but a report from The Washington Post says that that might not be the case.
Celtics considering Jackson
Dan Bieler and Matt Bonesteel reported that Jackson has emerged as a contender for the number one overall selection even though jackson cancelled a workout with the team this week. Nobody expected the Celtics to use their number three overall pick in the 2016 draft to select California standout Jalen Brown.
Brown was projected lower, in the top ten, but was selected in the top three anyway. The idea of "Ainge player" could be proven with this example, as Brown was a key contributor off the bench this past season.
Jackson linked to Lakers
Even if the Celtics don't pick Jackson with the top pick, Jackson is still slotted in the top three in the latest mock draft from Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.
According to Bieler and Bonesteel, Jackson was "promised" by a team in the top three spots that he would be chosen. This team is speculated to be the Lakers. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that Ball is considering talking to other teams in the lottery. If Ball is not drafted by the Lakers, this would be a huge blow to the UCLA standout who has made public comments that he wants to stay close to home.
Where will Jackson go?
Keith Pompey of Philadelphia Daily News reported that the Sacremento Kings are considering trading the No. 5 and No. 10 overall selections to make sure they can acquire Jackson. This would be a typical move by the Kings to go after someone they want. The Kings haven't hit on a draft pick since DeMarcus Cousins in 2010, who they traded this past season.
However, this might be the year that the 76ers start going after players, and Jackson could be a great fit for them. The 76ers have drafted big man the last three years (Joel Embiid in 2014, Jahlil Okafor in 2015, and Ben Simmons in 2016). It might be time for Philadelphia to go out and get a shooting guard that can contribue 15-points a night, and Jackson might be that guy.
The fact that Jackson cancelled a workout with the Celtics means that even though there is a chance the Celtics could draft him, it does not mean they will. The Lakers already have small forward in Brandon Ingram, who they have said they will not trade. The 76ers are unlikely to sway a top free agent in this position like Gordon Hayward or Otto Porter Jr.. The likelihood is that Jackson is still going to be drafted at number three.
The 76ers have only $36 million in guaranteed salary, which means they could convince someone to join their squad.
