Ranking the 10 biggest Kansas basketball NBA Draft busts of all-time
. SF. Phoenix Suns. Josh Jackson. 2. player. 66
2017 NBA Draft, selected 4th overall
Phoenix Suns, 2017-2019
Memphis Grizzlies, 2020
Detroit Pistons, 2020-2022
Sacramento Kings, 2022
A few years back, Jackson would not have been placed so highly on this list. Andrew Wiggins needed some time to find his niche in the NBA, and he became a vital piece to an NBA Finals-winning team. Now that Jackson is not with an NBA organization, though, it is safe to call him a sure-fire bust.
He was KU’s second most highly touted recruit ever, and he certainly lived up to those expectations with the Jayhawks. He and Frank Mason III were a scary duo for opposing teams. So why did Jackson’s game change drastically when he came to the NBA? No one knows for sure.
The man who once dominated Big 12 competition began to take ill-advised shots and play sloppily in the NBA. He has a reputation for being a lazy defender. There is nothing good to say about Jackson’s NBA career, as he has been shadowed by other draftees and even had character issues off the court.
Although he could get another crack at NBA basketball, he has not played a single game this year outside of the G-League. These are his statistics right now, and they might stay like this forever if he does not return soon:
- 291 games played
- 11.3 points
- 4.0 rebounds
- 1.8 assists
- 41.6% FG
- 29.2% 3PT
The 6-foot-8-inch wing had all the tools to be an effective player — size, length, athleticism, and defensive potential. It is a shame what has happened to the once promising Jayhawk. If he ever does see an NBA court again, it will possibly be his last shot to prove himself.