The Denver Nuggets selected University of Maryland forward Justin Jackson with the 43rd overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft Thursday night.
Soon after the pick, though, the Orlando Magic traded their 41st overall selection, Jarred Vanderbilt, to Denver for Jackson and a future second-rounder.
Jackson averaged 9.8 points and 8.1 rebounds in the first 11 games of the Terrapins’ 2017-18 season, but in December he sustained a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required season-ending surgery.
Jackson, a Canadian, originally declared for last year’s draft but returned to Maryland after the combine. He declared again after his sophomore campaign, cutting his Maryland career short.
Jackson is about 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, and scouts like his defensive ability. The Ringer compared him to Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre.
Coincidentally, this pick came one spot before the Wizards were back on the clock with the No. 44 selection.
After a brief absence from the 60-selection event last year, Maryland once again had two players selected in the NBA Draft. In 2016, Diamond Stone and Jake Layman both went in the second round.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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