New Orleans Pelicans: Best Case Scenario Comps for the Under-25’s

New Orleans Pelicans’ Player Comparisons: Frank Jackson

Frank Jackson is the next…Jamal Murray

Ok, ok, I know they are roughly the same age, but hear me out.

I watched the Denver/Utah series closely and Jamal Murray was impressive on both ends of the floor. He scored from all over the place, played lock down defense at times and led his team past a tough Utah Jazz squad.

While watching I couldn’t help but thinking, “I hope Frank Jackson is watching this.”

Like Murray, Jackson is a combo guard with a strong body and good size for the position, but unlike Murray, Jackson hasn’t gotten as much of a chance.

Obviously Murray was better to begin with, which is why he was drafted 7th overall, but Jackson has a chance to get there if he improves and gets the opportunity.

Jackson’s Per-36 numbers of 16.8 points, 2.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds are very similar to Murray’s numbers in his second year in the league when he averaged 16.7 points, 3.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 31.7 minutes per game.

Obviously, Per-36 numbers are flawed, but Jackson has shown flashes of the things that make Murray special.

He can get to the rim and use his body to shield defenders or shoot through contact. He can score from all over the floor, but is not a great spot-up shooter.

He can defend both guard spots and use his strength to get into the chest of offensive players, making it difficult for them to get a clean look.

If things break right for Jackson and he gets more playing time, he could be a guy that emerges from nowhere to become a force on both ends. Will he ever score 40+ points in a playoff game? Who knows, but if things go right, Jackson could end up being a lot like Jamal Murray, which is why I hope the Pelicans re-sign him.