The Suns got who they wanted in Josh Jackson
The name connected to the Suns most often during the regular season and prior to the draft was Josh Jackson. Suns fans were enamored with his size, defensive ability, and high energy, a trait that was both part of his offensive and defense game. Physically comparable to Shawn Marion, many prognosticators have compared Jackson to Kawhi Leonard, while Jalen Rose compared him to Andre Iguodala on draft night – initially a cringe-worthy comp, lest we forget, Iggy was a star scorer in his prime, and the Finals MVP for Golden State in 2015, and still a defensive stalwart.
According to Ryan McDonough after the draft, had the Suns had the first pick, they would still have taken Jackson first overall.
Ryan McDonough: We thought Josh Jackson was the best player in the draft.
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) June 23, 2017
Based on the very believable quotes if the draft order was Kings, Suns, Celtics, Lakers, Markelle Fultz would have gone 5th at best.
— Scott Howard (@ScottHoward42) June 23, 2017
Josh Jackson could very well end up being the best player in the 2017 NBA Draft, just as Leonard was in 2011. Coaches cannot teach energy on defense and explosiveness on offense, traits that both Jackson and Leonard share. If the staff can work with Jackson to develop a consistent shooting stroke, then the Suns truly did land the best player in the draft, and apparently the single player at number four they wanted all along.