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NBA: 5 biggest sleepers to win the Rookie of the Year award in 2017-18

By Dillon Dente

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Justin Jackson #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels speaks to media in the locker room after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 03: Justin Jackson #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels speaks to media in the locker room after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tar Heels defeated the Bulldogs 71-65. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The heavy sleeper – AKA “The Coma” – Justin Jackson

Fresh off a national championship at North Carolina, Justin Jackson brings a calm, experienced, and humble demeanor to a Kings team that has been searching high and low for such qualities. Actually, the Kings brought in several players who match some of those descriptions in Harry Giles, Frank Mason III, and potential Rookie of the Year candidate himself, De’Aaron Fox.

One major difference between Jackson and the other aforementioned rookies is his place in the rotation. With the off-season signing of George Hill, Fox and Mason will likely have lighter roles, and Giles is currently buried behind three other players at his position.

According to ESPN, Jackson is the second-string small forward behind Malachai Richardson, but I would be amazed if Jackson didn’t overtake the starting role before the all-star break. Don’t get me wrong, Jackson still looks like he’ll have a lot of adjusting to do to the NBA game, but his size and defensive versatility should help him get minutes, and the potential offensive boost Jackson gives over Richardson could earn him 25-plus minutes a night.

Jackson struggled a bit from behind the arc in Summer League, but in the small sample size, I tend to look more at his distinct improvements in that area throughout his college career. Jackson made himself a deep shooting threat after coming into college as a real mess behind the line. Each season with UNC, Jackson not only increased his percentages, but also significantly improved his mechanics, with some minor tweaks still possible to improve further.

Still a bit wiry in build, Jackson isn’t going to be a plus in the rebounding department, but his on-ball defense, low turnover rate, scoring punch, NBA-ready floater, and willingness to move the ball make him a great addition to any team, and I’m sure Sacramento will notice that early. Jackson isn’t the type of player to wow anyone with his stats or even his play, but he’s solid enough to contribute significantly to an NBA team. If some of his peers have disappointing campaigns in 2017-18, the silky smooth wing from UNC could steal the Rookie of the Year award.

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