As a data scientist who’s built predictive models for NBA odds, I revisited Chad Ford’s 2017 pre-draft rankings—where Josh Jackson was slotted as the top pick. Was it vision or statistical bias? In this deep dive, I analyze the metrics behind the hype, expose overlooked signals in player evaluations, and ask: can algorithms outsmart scouts? With real data, cold logic, and a touch of irony—because in sports analytics, even the best models get surprised.