The Phoenix 4: McDonough’s Top Options at the Fourth Pick

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Jayson Tatum SF

Like Jackson, Jayson Tatum was also a very highly sought after player coming out of high school. In terms of comparison, though, that’s where the similarities end.

Tatum is an extremely polished offensive player capable of putting up points in a number of different ways. He can shoot from three, step into a mid-range shot, post up smaller defenders, and finish at the hoop with a variety of creative finishes. Offensively, there may not be a single player in the entire 2017 NBA Draft who is better equipped to score at the NBA level.

His defense, however, is an entirely different story. Tatum undoubtedly has the skills to be an above average defender, but he has yet to show the effort to defend one-on-one with any consistency. If Jayson Tatum wants to be a valuable NBA player, this is the area of his game that most needs improvement.

NBA scouts across the league are salivating at Tatum’s overall talent, so there is no reason to believe that he could not fit into the Suns’ rotation. Offensively, the former Blue Devil is well prepared to start for the Suns, however his defensive deficiencies could present a few issues. Since Phoenix is already saddled with Devin Booker and Marquese Chriss’ defensive liabilities, adding a third below-average defender would definitely compound the Suns’ defensive woes. Despite all of this, players improve aspects of their game every day, so with help from Earl Watson and company, Jayson Tatum could be a valuable piece of the Suns’ future.