2 goals for suggested FA target Josh Jackson if he ends up with Cavs

Goal #1 for Jackson if he’s signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers: Eventually become the regular starting 3

Jackson only appeared in 22 games with the Grizzlies during this now-past season, and appeared in 17.3 minutes per contest in those appearances. In those instances, Jackson had 9.0 points per outing on 44.0 percent shooting, to go with averaging 3.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals.

Jackson did fill it up with the Hustle, though, and had 20.3 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting, to go with 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

While I understand it was G-League play, Jackson did hit 38.0 percent of his triples, and though in his appearances with the Grizz he hit just 31.9 percent from deep overall, he hit 37.7 percent of his catch-and-shoot triple attempts, per NBA.com’s shot tracking data.

Along with that, Jackson placed in the 82nd percentile on spot-ups in 2019-20 with the Grizz, per Synergy Sports. I’d imagine that Jackson could be a capable spot-up threat to hit off of drive-and-kicks from the likes of Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Kevin Porter Jr., honestly.

Most notably, to me, Cedi Osman underwhelmed during this now-past season for Cleveland, and while he did hit 38.3 percent from downtown, Osman disappeared at times offensively. And if given legitimate opportunities to get into a rhythm, Jackson, who is much more capable on-ball than Osman, could very well turn out to be an upgrade at the starting 3 spot for the Cavs.

Jackson is able to drive it and beat defenders more consistently than Osman, and is much more athletic and capable laterally/vertically.

So to me, if the Cavs gave him the opportunities, Jackson, a former no. 4 overall pick by the Suns that averaged 12.3 points per outing with them in two seasons, could be up to the task of eventually becoming Cleveland’s starting 3.

He is a great athlete, I’d think a decent spot-up threat, and is also an active cutter that is still only 23 years old, but I see as being a player that could affect games more on-ball offensively than Osman if given the chances.

Moving on, the second goal I’d have for Josh Jackson if he were to be signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers this upcoming free agency period relates to the defensive end.