A Scout's Take: GG Jackson's Off-Ball Value and Upside
GG Jackson is one of the most difficult scouting evaluations in this draft class because of his age, melding of tools and skills, context around South Carolina and just the natural maturity process that we all must undergo, not just college freshman.
Entering college at 17, the former consensus number one overall high school prospect in the 2023 class, reclassified to the 2022 class to play for his hometown South Carolina Gamecocks and was productive in his lone season, scoring 15.4 points, grabbing 5.9 rebounds and collecting 1.6 stocks per game while shooting 32% from beyond the arc on 5.3 attempts.
Jackson’s high ceiling is clearly tied to his shot creation and shotmaking ability as a big wing handler. However, he offers tremendous value operating off the ball, which raises both his floor and overall versatility.
Reliable Off Ball Shooting
Strictly from the eye test, Jackson projects as a valuable off ball shooting threat. He’s a confident shooter and talented shotmaker with touch and a fluid shooting stroke. There’s understandable concern about his 32% three-point mark, but the off ball numbers paint a cozier picture that should relieve most concerns about Jackson being a trustworthy, gravity holding floor spacer.
Jackson knocked down 35.7% of his spot up threes (30-of-84). He connected on 34.3% of his catch-and-shoot threes (37-of-108) and shot at a 36.2% clip on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes (17-of-47).
Pick-and-pop shooting is an aspect of off ball shooting that I wish we saw more of from him. He attempted just five shots and had only ten total possessions as the on ball screener. Because of the eye test alongside the spot up and catch-and-shoot numbers, I don't envision Jackson struggling as a pick-and-pop threat with more volume.
Impactful Cutting
Throughout the season, Jackson has flashed the ability to be a play finisher as a cutter. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, his mix of size and athleticism is tough to stop when has momentum towards the rim. On his cuts, he’s shown an understanding of timing, setting up defenders and finding the open space or seam. He’s quietly one of the best cutters in the class and potentially one of the best roll men, despite a surprising two possessions as the pick-and-roll man for South Carolina.
Hopefully Jackson will have more than the 24 shot attempts on cuts from this season, but there is real value to his gravity as a cutter if he continues to emphasize it in his game. Below, Jackson’s hard cut draws a double by Georgetown’s Brandon Murray, opening up the corner three for Chico Carter Jr., South Carolina’s best long distance shooter (47%, 4.1 attempts).
Rim Running and Transition Finishing
Jackson possesses the movement skills and physical tools to be an elite rim runner that thrives as a transition play finisher. He’s a gazelle in the open floor armed with explosive vertical pop.
Due to operating as a primary handler and South Carolina not consistently looking to push the pace, we didn't get to see much of him flying up and down the floor in transition. We saw more of it in high school and AAU including teaming up with five-star guards, Robert Dillingham (Kentucky, 2023) and Aden Holloway (Auburn, 2023) on Team CP3. With everyone looking to get out and run, expect him to return to being a dynamic transition finisher in the NBA, ideally with a playmaking guard.
Offensive Rebounding
Leveraging his physical tools on the offensive glass was a welcomed sight all season. He showcased his vertical pop, length, energy and effort to rebound in and out of his area, creating second chance opportunities.
Ranking in the 93rd percentile in offensive rebounding via synergy and pulling down 1.5 offensive rebounds per game, Jackson’s offensive rebounding value checks out analytically as well. It’s not alarming, but noteworthy that there was a five game stretch from January 31st to February 14th where he failed to grab at least one offensive rebound.
Final Thoughts
How much Jackson taps into his off-ball upside will be dependent on his own consistent effort, the development plan his drafting team has for him and its roster construction. Striking a balance between on and off ball reps will be vital to unlocking the player Jackson can become, who won’t turn 19 years old until just after the start of the next NBA season. He’s a lottery pick for me
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