Report: Canadian Justin Jackson will likely play 2018-19 season with Lakeland Magic

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#Justin Jackson

Canadian Justin Jackson, who was taken with the No. 43 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, will likely spend his first season as a professional developing in the G League, according to Adam Johnson of NBA G League blog 2 Ways & 10 Days.


After being selected by the Denver Nuggets in June's draft, the Scarborough native's rights were acquired by the Orlando Magic on draft night. A shoulder injury sustained in December 2017 caused the 21-year-old to miss the final 22 games of his sophomore season at Maryland and resulted in the Magic holding him out of Summer League play.

As a second-round pick, the Orlando Magic can retain Jackson's rights without signing him to an NBA contract. WIth 20 players on its roster, Orlando cannot make a contract offer without making a roster move.

Per Johnson, the overarching belief is that Jackson will be a 'domestic draft-and-stash prospect', meaning he spends the 2018-19 season with Lakeland to recover, develop and improve to increase his likelihood of joining Orlando for the 2019-20 season.

Former OKC Thunder forward Josh Huestis is an example of a domestic draft-and-stash success; Huestis, who was selected by the Thunder in 2014, spent his first year as a pro with the Oklahoma City Blue. Following a successful G League season, Huestis signed a guaranteed contract with the Thunder in 2015 and spent three seasons with the franchise.

Jackson has made a full recovery from his shoulder injury and will suit up for the Canadian Men's National Team on Monday, Sept. 17 as it takes on Chile in a FIBA World Cup Qualifying match.

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Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.