Of the Summer Suns: What to expect from Josh Jackson
By Drew Zlogar
Suns fans, the painful wait to see your beloved team play in a game again is almost through. We are about 24 hours away from seeing the debut of the Phoenix Suns’ Summer League roster roll the ball out. There are a few players that will highlight this years roster, but none bigger than the headline star: Josh Jackson.
It will be the first time for Suns fans to see the 6’8″, fourth overall selection play with the Phoenix colors on his back. The former Kansas University star has chosen to wear #99 as a member of the team down in the Valley. Josh Jackson was by many accounts the most pro-ready player in the draft, and when Phoenix Suns management saw him on the board at four, it was a no brainer to take him.
The Summer League is time for the rookies, some second-years, and other future NBA hopefuls to show what they are made of. A lot of times the games are rough; but you aren’t expecting to sit down and watch NBA Finals-level action anyway. This summer, Jackson will be eager to show people his defensive tenacity, and his relentless work ethic. Despite his age, and having played only one year at Kansas, Jackson was the leader on the floor. He will look to bring that same ‘lead by example’ mentality to this Summer League Suns, and to the NBA in general.
To go hand in hand with the great defense that he will bring, expect some electrifying drives and dunks on the offensive end as well. Jackson might just be the most polished overall athlete in this class, and in a situation like the NBA Summer League, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to show his athletic abilities.
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What I am most intrigued to see is how he takes defenders off the dribble from the wing, and behind the three-point line. The athleticism and defensive prowess is there, no one denies that. But it is the enhanced skill of creating space with the dribble, and creating room for an open jump shot inside and beyond the arc that some question with Jackson at the next level. Look for him to experiment a bit early on with what works for him in creating said space.
It is exciting to know that in only a day the Suns will be back on TV playing basketball, albeit Summer League action. And with the many stories surrounding this year’s roster, there is no one other player with the level of hype surrounding him, than that of Josh Jackson, your fourth overall pick.
For more, follow Drew on Twitter: @Drew_Zlogar