During his high school days, Josh Jackson attended Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, where he played basketball as a shooting guard. He was named the top high school basketball player in the state of Arizona and was also ranked as a top-5 player in the national high school rankings. Josh Jackson was considered a top recruit in the class of 2016 and was heavily recruited by several top college basketball programs.
In 2016, Josh Jackson announced his commitment to play college basketball at the University of Kansas. During his lone season at Kansas, he showcased his exceptional skills on the court and quickly became a fan favorite. Josh Jackson’s talent and hard work earned him several accolades, including being named to the All-Big 12 First Team and All-Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
Following an impressive season at Kansas, Josh Jackson declared for the 2017 NBA draft. He was picked by the Phoenix Suns as the fourth overall pick in the draft, making him the highest drafted player from Kansas since Andrew Wiggins in 2014. During his rookie season with the Suns, Josh Jackson showed glimpses of his potential with several highlight reel dunks and clutch performances. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
In the 2018-19 season, Josh Jackson saw a dip in his production, with his numbers dropping to 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He struggled with consistency and was often criticized for his shot selection and decision-making on the court. Despite the criticism, Josh Jackson remained focused on improving his game and helping his team win.
In the 2019 off-season, Josh Jackson was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he saw limited playing time in his first season. He averaged just 9.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 57 games. However, in the 2020-21 season, Josh Jackson saw an increase in both his playing time and production. He started in 51 of the 69 games he played in and averaged 13.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Following a solid season with the Grizzlies, Josh Jackson signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 off-season. He has started the season strong, averaging 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in his first 16 games with the team.
Off the court, Josh Jackson is known for his philanthropic work in his community. He has been actively involved in several charitable organizations that focus on education, youth empowerment, and social justice issues. In 2020, he donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 relief fund in his hometown of San Diego.
In conclusion, Josh Jackson is a talented basketball player who has overcome several obstacles in his career. He has shown remarkable resilience and dedication to his craft, constantly working on improving his game. His contributions on and off the court make him a respected figure in the NBA community, and he has the potential to become one of the league’s top players.