Statistical expectations for the 2017-18 Suns starters

Small Forward – Josh Jackson

Projection – 11.9 points / 5.9 rebounds / 1.3 assists /1.1 steals

PHOENIX, AZ – JUNE 23: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns is introduced to the team during a portrait shoot on June 23, 2017 at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Offensively there will be very little weight on Josh Jackson’s shoulders. Sure, he’ll be looked for on fastbreaks for either an alleyoop dunk or a spot up three, but overall, much like Shawn Marion, very little offense will flow through him. As such, he will put up very similar statistics to Shawn Marion in his own rookie season (10.2p/6.5r/1.4a/.7s).

Jackson’s main focus will be on slowly improving his three-point shot (hopefully he doesn’t shoot from the outside as miserably as Marion did when he managed to make only 18.2% of his outside attempts his rookie year) and quickness on defense so he can eventually take the full-time role of the team’s primary defensive stopper. Should he accomplish all this, Josh Jackson likely will not be Rookie of the Year in 2017-18. But he will have had a very productive first season in the NBA, with much to be excited for and build upon.

*Note – I actually do think that he and T.J. Warren will share starting time throughout the season but that ultimately – much like Marquese Chriss last season – Jackson will be handed the job full-time at some point. I have long said on Valley of the Suns that I believe Warren can average 20 points and 7 rebounds this season. I do believe that he can accomplish that even off the bench, however, unless he is the full-time starter, the odds of that occurring are slim.