RUMOR: Clippers Interested in former Jayhawk Josh Jackson
By Blake Harris
With just hours until the 2017 NBA Draft, more and more rumors are beginning to surface. The latest one, entails the Clippers acquiring the Celtics’ number three pick.
Ah, draft day. Such a fun time. Not just for the players getting drafted, but for us fans as well. Draft days are filled with surprises. Whether that be a team choosing a player that catches everybody off guard, or blockbuster trades.
Coming into the day, the Clippers currently own zero draft picks. However, that could change within the next few hours.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers are interested in acquiring a top-four pick in the hopes of selecting Josh Jackson.
Fascinating machinations around Josh Jackson today. Loads of teams trying to trade into the top 4 to get him.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 22, 2017
The Celtics, who traded their number one pick to Philadelphia, had hopes of taking Jackson with the third overall pick. That is, until Jackson refused to work out or interview with Boston, even when there was a possibility they’d take him with the number one overall pick.
Celtics know this, and thus have to decide whether to take a player who wouldn't workout or interview even when they had the 1 pick.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 22, 2017
This is where the Clippers come into play
The Clippers have been searching for a wing player for years. Jackson could finally be that piece. Only 20 years old, the former Kansas Jayhalk put up solid numbers in his freshman season. Averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks, all while shooting 55% from the field and 38% from three. Jackson would be a great addition to the Clippers.
But as you and I know, acquiring the number three overall pick would come at a hefty price. And it appears that price, would be DeAndre Jordan.
Clippers, Spurs, Bulls all have interest in him and big name veteran players (DeAndre, LaMarcus, Jimmy) who would really help Boston.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 22, 2017
The Celtics, who appear to be a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, don’t really have themselves a big man. They have Al Horford, but it’s well known he has no interest in being their long-term center. Moving him to the four and adding a piece like DeAndre Jordan would potentially help put the Celtics over the hump and give them a shot at knocking out the Cavs.
For the Clippers, they lose their defensive centerpiece, but shed salary, and pick up a potential star in Josh Jackson. Definitely an interesting tidbit to keep our eyes on as the draft gets closer and closer.