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NBA Mock Draft: Are Lonzo to LA and Jackson to Boston locks?

By Nathan Beighle

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot ahead of Purdue Boilermakers defense during the second half in the semifinals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Kansas defeated Purdue 98-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot ahead of Purdue Boilermakers defense during the second half in the semifinals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Kansas defeated Purdue 98-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick No. 3: Josh Jackson

Josh Jackson, who might be the draft’s best two-way player, should be taken off the board by the Boston Celtics. Jackson, just like Wiggins, went to Kansas and had a solid but somewhat subpar season. At Kansas, he averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

By trading down, the Celtics still acquired a player they were enamored with while also getting two other first-round picks. Danny Ainge is amazing. Boston, who seemingly are sold on Isaiah Thomas, didn’t need a point guard, especially with their already loaded backcourt. But, this small forward option will be a great asset for them moving forward.

His 6-foot-8 frame and incredible athletism make him a coveted asset. Jackson could easily have the highest ceiling in the draft, but he will have to improve his jump shot before he ascends into NBA stardom. He shot 37.8% from deep on the shorter college three, and if he can become a knockdown shooter, the sky would be the limit for what Jackson could do in the NBA.

Jackson and Boston seem like a perfect match for this third overall pick.