The Denver Nuggets selected Justin Jackson with the 43rd pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday night but a draft-night trade will send him to the Orlando Magic.
The Nuggets traded Jackson's rights to the Magic, along with a future second-round pick, in exchange for No. 41 pick Jarred Vanderbilt, a forward out of Kentucky.
Justin Jackson has been traded to the @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/aKMPcAXXcO
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) June 22, 2018
Jackson will join a draft class that features Mo Bamba who Orlando selected with the 5th pick in the first round.
Jackson was highly regarded coming out of high school and was recruited to be a key contributor for the Maryland Terrapins. A year ago he flirted with the idea of entering the draft but pulled out late to continue his development. An untimely shoulder injury saw his stock drop leaving him available for the Nuggets Magic in the second round Thursday.
Welcome to the NBA & @nuggets (#43 pick), Justin Jackson! 🇨🇦#NBADraft pic.twitter.com/SJriZRBU7M
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) June 22, 2018
The 21-year-old forward averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds in 44 career games at Maryland over two seasons.
Jackson will be expected to be featured on the Magic's Summer League roster in July.
