Break the “just a dunker” stigma
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.