Toronto Raptors Sign Former No. 4 Overall Pick

He was once so highly touted that LeBron James, back in his 2nd go-round with the Cleveland Cavaliers, in 2017, suggested trading Kyrie Irving for him. And as the No. 4 pick overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Josh Jackson has some high-end prospect pedigree.

Unfortunately, Jackson has had trouble establishing himself in the NBA, bouncing around between four teams over the last five years. Now, make it five teams, as the Toronto Raptors have decided to try to cash in on all that potential.

The Toronto Raptors have announced the signing of Josh Jackson. pic.twitter.com/urLitdxKqE
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 31, 2022

Raptors beat writer Doug Smith figures it's a non-guaranteed invite to camp, to fight for one of the final roster spots. The team has now filled all 20 camp slots.

Josh Jackson is athletic, has a + wingspan, and maybe the Raptors think they can develop a swing skill (3pt shooting) with him better than other teams have.

Lots of ppl were waiting for Jalen Harris news, but Jackson is a higher upside play, in my opinion.

Low risk, we'll see
— Samson Folk (the coach) (@samfolkk) August 31, 2022

At 6'8", the swingman certainly fits the Raptors' mold of a team chock full of 6'8" long, athletic guys.

Last season, Jackson spent a total of 51 games with the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons, averaging 6.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists. His 3-point shooting, however, was abysmal, at 25.4%.

Over five years, he's averaged 11.3 points, 4 rebounds and 1.8 assists, while shooting just 29% from beyond the arc.

But now the Raptors will see if they can unlock all that once-ballyhooed potential.