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By Joe Giglio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Thanks to Sam Hinkie's Process and pick swap with the Sacramento Kings, the Sixers landed the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

So, who should the young, rising Eastern Conference group select?

If Washington's Markelle Fultz and UCLA's Lonzo Ball are off the board, Kansas' Josh Jackson is the right pick for Philadelphia.

Here's why the Sixers should take him over prospects like Kentucky's Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox and Duke's Jayson Tatum.

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Too good to pass up

Jackson is a potential NBA all star. We're talking about a kid that averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a freshman at Kansas last season. When comparisons to Tracy McGrady (best case) and Andre Iguodala (pretty darn good case) are out there, you know a talent is present.

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Forward is a sneaky need

I know, I know. You're probably yelling at your screen about how much the Sixers need a guard. While that's true, don't discount the need for depth at the forward position. Right now, there's very little on the depth chart behind Robert Covington (a free agent after the 2017-18 season) and Dario Saric. Jackson fits.

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Less risk than Monk

If you've heard or read me talk about the 2017 NBA Draft prospects at all, you know how much Malik Monk impresses me. He's going to be a tremendous NBA shooter, with the best-case scenario turning him into a star from the perimeter. But let's be honest: Risk is involved when taking a 6'3" point guard that's really a shooting guard. If I could be guaranteed Monk would turn out to be closer to Steph Curry than Lou Williams, this would be the pick. Jackson—even if he doesn't reach his ceiling—has a higher floor in the NBA.

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Can't have enough athletes

Jackson is a ridiculous athlete with leaping ability, long arms and a high motor. The Sixers have built a team of freak athletes with

Ben Simmons

and

Joel Embiid

. It can't hurt to add another and run teams off the court.

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Ceiling is off the charts

I keep coming back to the T-Mac comparison. Jackson's upside screams of a small-ball four or devestating small forward. If his three-point shot comes along (possible, but not definite) we're talking about a player that will make multiple All-Star Games. Even if it doesn't, an excellent defensive stopper could be developed by Brett Brown.

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Robert Covington's contract

Covington has emerged to become more than just a three-and-d(efense) guy for the Sixers. If the team gets out ahead of a contract extension for him this summer, pairing Jackson and Covington as wings could be devastating to opposing offenses. If not—and Covington leaves—Jackson will likely surpass his talent level within a year or two.

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Does more than just score

Some prospects (like Monk) are scorers from the minute they walk in the league. Jackson is more of an all-around player with the ability to play defense, run the floor, rebound and play above the rim.

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Defense

This is what stands out. Jackson isn't a polished offensive player yet. He doesn't have a knockdown three-point shot. But, man, his defense is there right now. Brown set a goal for last year's team to be a top-15 unit. Defense is a priority in Philadelphia. Jackson would make it even better from the minute he walked in.

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Will fit Sixers culture

Jackson brings an energy and enthusiasm to the court that would fit in with a Sixers culture that's captivating Philadelphia.

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Allows pursuit of free-agent guard

Don't discount this. If the Sixers land Jackson—solidifying the wing position—it would open up free agency for the pursuit of a guard. That could mean a big play for Kyle Lowry, smaller offer for George Hill or a run at sharpshooter J.J. Reddick.

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Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.