Dallas Mavericks: Is Justin Jackson a bust? Will he go down as one?

Dallas Mavericks: Is Justin Jackson a draft bust? Will he go down as one?

The Dallas Mavericks took a massive leap forward this season. Led by the superstar breakout from Luka Doncic, the organization was back in the playoffs and a scary team for any opponent. Multiple role players had career years as the team took off.

One player that struggled was Justin Jackson. The 25-year-old played well after coming to Dallas in a midseason trade in Feb. 2019. Some even had him penciled in as the starter heading into this season. Instead, his minutes decreased, and he fell out of the rotation entirely in the playoffs. Jackson shot just 39.6 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three in his third NBA season.

The struggles have created questions about his long-term future. Jackson is under contract for just over $5 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent. If he struggles again in 2021, will there be a job for Jackson? Let us examine his current status.

Is Dallas Mavericks forward Justin Jackson a bust? Will he go down as one?

Bleacher Report wrote an article about five players trending towards bust status. Justin Jackson and former Maverick Dennis Smith Jr. both made the list.

Is Jackson a bust? He was the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Things have not gone as planned during his first three years, but bust may not fit. Let us examine if Jackson is or will go down as a bust before laying out a few things he can do to avoid the tag in 2021.

Next: Is he a bust?