Valley of the Suns
Fansided

What each Suns player’s offseason goals should be

By Grant Funtila

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Break the “just a dunker” stigma

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 18: Derrick Jones Jr. #10 of the Phoenix Suns competes in the 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at Smoothie King Center on February 18, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 18: Derrick Jones Jr. #10 of the Phoenix Suns competes in the 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at Smoothie King Center on February 18, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Derrick Jones Jr. was an unknown going into the season. He was an undrafted 19 year-old rookie out of UNLV. Prior to the start of the 2016-2017 season, the Suns surprisingly waived Archie Goodwin in order to make room for Jones Jr.

During the all-star break, Jones Jr. made a name for himself in the slam dunk contest where he got second place behind Indiana Pacers’ Glenn Robinson III.

Post all-star break he got a chance to showcase his skillset. He averaged 20 mpg and put up 6.3 ppg, and 3.0 rpg with a questionable jumpshot. Those numbers aren’t eye popping but he certainly showed the potential he had on both ends of the court.

With the Suns drafting Josh Jackson, his minutes will certainly decrease. He might find himself back in the G-League. Even if he does, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to improve the other parts of his game.

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