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

Is Dallas Mavericks forward Justin Jackson a draft bust?

Most sports fans look at a draft bust one of two ways. If the player fails to meet expectations or if talent selected later has more success at the professional level.

Jackson was highly touted coming out of the University of North Carolina. He was the leading scorer on the Tar Heels national championship team in 2017. Jackson averaged 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 37.0 percent from downtown. Most expected him to become a quality rotation player in the NBA for a decade-plus.

Instead, his minutes have decreased each season and his jumper has been streaky. Jackson has failed to live up to the pre-draft expectations, but I would not consider him a bust yet. He is only 25 and has shown flashes. Jackson has an incredible floater. He needs to improve his defense, shooting, and consistency. There is still time to accomplish that.

John Collins, Jarrett Allen, OG Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma, Derrick White, and Josh Hart were all picked behind Jackson in the first round and have outperformed him so far. Each of the players is still young in their careers, though. Jackson has outperformed five of the players taken ahead of him in terms of career win shares. Calling him a bust still seems premature.

Next: Will he go down as a bust?