Draft Preview: Jayson Tatum over Josh Jackson

"Let’s play the hypothetical game for a second, Suns fans. Say the Phoenix Suns are granted a top-3 pick in tonight’s NBA Draft Lottery, but for some unlucky reason, the Lakers and Nets (Celtics own Brooklyn’s pick) get the top two selections. Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, who have been the hottest pre-draft commodities, would likely go first and second overall. So, who does that leave the Suns with which to pick from? Two studs that will likely not see their names on the big board after the top two picks are taken are Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson. Both seem like promising players, but if Phoenix Suns management are looking for a dynamic and versatile wing, then believe it or not:"

Jayson Tatum is the choice.

Jayson Tatum, from Duke University, and Josh Jackson, the former Kansas Jayhawk, both have a lot of hype surrounding them as we near the 2017 NBA Draft. As a Suns fan however, you should get more excited for Jayson Tatum.

Though Tatum and Jackson both stand at 6’8″, Tatum is the longer of the two players due to his wingspan of 6’11” which is almost two inches superior to Jackson’s 6’9′ 3/4″.  Tatum has a more smooth game compared to Jackson. He is most comfortable taking his defender to the rack or pulling up from his triple threat, making over 50% of his two-point attempts, while also adding about 85% of his tries from the charity stripe.

While Josh Jackson does bring more raw explosiveness to his game, Jayson Tatum has a solid fluidity that could bode very well with the game of Devin Booker.  With exceptional dribbling ability for his length, grabbing a defensive board and leading the fast break not only played well for him in college, but Tatum’s game will undoubtedly transition to the Association – which fits right into the Suns’ fast-paced offensive mentality.

After watching the Suns this past season it was clear that when Booker was not cooking, consistent secondary scoring options at the wing were where they lacked most severely. T.J. Warren chipping in 14 points per game was not what the coaching staff expected in his highly anticipated third season. Tatum seems to be the perfect guy to come in and right away bring an offensive arsenal that can beat opponents off the dribble, from the triple threat, or from behind the arc. His poise beyond his years (he is only 19-years-old) reminds some of how Booker carries himself on the floor as well.

Many, if not most, scouts actually have Josh Jackson ahead of Tatum in their mock drafts because of the explosion that can pop off at anytime. However, after looking over each player’s tape more and more, Jackson looks like a guy who might find his living on alley-oops and overall super athletic plays, while Tatum will have a larger array of tricks.

With promise from the youngsters – Booker, Bledsoe, Chriss, and Bender – Jayson Tatum would be that added help that the Suns desperately need on the wing. Adding to Earl Watson’s fast-paced style of play should be a seamless transition for a guy like Jayson Tatum, and a sure-fire solid pick for the Phoenix Suns.