Josh Jackson charging up rookie class

By Staff     Apr 10, 2018

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Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) advances the ball up-court on a fast break as Utah Jazz forward Ekpe Udoh defends during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Kansas one-and-done star Josh Jackson isn’t going to be named NBA Rookie of the Year. Ben Simmons, drafted in 2016, Jayson Tatum, taken third this past draft, or Donovan Mitchell, picked 13th, will take home the prize.

But if hardware existed for in-season improvement, Jackson would be leading the pack, which bodes well for his chances of passing those having better rookie seasons.

A look at Jackson’s improvement since the All-Star break, compared to some other rookies from this past draft:

Player (Team) Min FG pct. PPG RPG APG
DONOVAN MITCHELL (Jazz)
Pre-All-Star break
32.1 .439 19.6 2.9 3.5
Post-All-Star break 36.9 .435 22.8 3.6 4.3
JOSH JACKSON (Suns)
Pre-All-Star break
23.5 .406 11.2 4.1 1.2
Post-All-Star break 30.9 .438 18.7 5.9 2.5
KYLE KUZMA (Lakers)
Pre-All-Star break
29.5 .450 15.7 5.9 1.8
Post-All-Star break 35.6 .452 17.4 7.4 2.0
DENNIS SMITH (Mavs)
Pre-All-Star break
29.3 .394 14.8 3.9 4.9
Post-All-Star break 30.6 .396 16.1 3.5 5.9
JAYSON TATUM (Celtics)
Pre-All-Star break
31.1 .475 13.5 5.1 1.4
Post-All-Star break 29.2 .487 15.2 4.9 2.2
LONZO BALL (Lakers)
Pre-All-Star
33.9 .356 10.2 7.1 7.1
Post-All-Star break 34.9 .370 10.1 6.4 7.6
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