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Phoenix Suns: Derrick Jones Jr. could be Slam Dunk Champion

By Lucas Johnson

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) /
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During this rebuild, it has become abundantly clear that the Phoenix Suns has legit talent. One of the talented players is high flier Derrick Jones Jr.

Phoenix Suns second year player Derrick Jones Jr. could very easily have a solid NBA career. He has the motor and the physical gifts to become a solid two-way player in the league. He obviously still needs to improve his 3-point shot, but if he does he could become a younger Gerald Green for the team moving forward. One thing about Jones’ game is clear, the guy can jump. He was runner-up in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest this past season. That clearly is not good enough for the Suns’ wing player.

After losing the title from Indiana Pacers forward Glenn Robinson III, it is more than evident that Jones is not settling for second best.

https://instagram.com/p/BX-3tRABers/

Some may say this could just be the guys playing around for kicks and giggles, however I do not think that is the case. All of those are not easy to do and it as unlikely that he did it just for the fun of it. It appeared he was taking it seriously.

It will not be an easy path for Jones to return to All-Star Weekend. Jones will have to continue to improve his skills if he even wants stay in the rotation. This will not be easy with additions of rookie wings Josh Jackson and Davon Reed wanting playing. If he can stay in the rotation by beating out either Jackson or Reed, then he will be able to show off his dunking skills like he did last year.

With the highlights seen in the Instagram post above, fans can only hope that Jones can earn another invite. If he does compete then there is no reason why he cannot win the title of Slam Dunk Champion. He almost won it last year and with more experience and obvious training he put into his craft, he should be able to win it this year.

Next: The Phoenix Suns Dodged a Bullet in the Irving Deal

Jones winning the Slam Dunk Champion will only help validate the Phoenix Suns rebuild. It will show the Suns are moving in the right direction with gaining quality players and developing them.

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