Denver Nuggets select Justin Jackson with No. 43 pick, draft rights traded to Orlando

The wait was probably a little longer than he had hoped for, but Justin Jackson is joining Kevin Huerter in the NBA.

The Denver Nuggets selected the sophomore forward in the second round with the No. 43 overall pick.

Jackson’s draft stock took a dramatic fall over the last year. After testing the draft waters following his freshman year, he returned to Maryland for his sophomore campaign to solidify his first-round draft projection. However, he appeared in only 11 games before suffering a torn labrum that eventually required season-ending surgery.

The Ontario native should be ready to return to the court for the start of Summer League and compete for a roster spot in Denver, as his second-round draft status likely won’t come with a fully guaranteed contract.

Update:

According to reports, Jackson’s draft rights have been traded to the Orlando Magic.