Valley of the Suns
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Five signs Josh Jackson has arrived

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait 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)
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait 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) /
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Jay Triano’s comments

It’s easy to point at stats and say “oh, he’s gone up in this, or he’s gone up in that” and denote that a player has turned the corner. Not only have I done that here with Josh Jackson, but in the recent past with both Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss as well.

But it’s even easier  to know that a player has turned a corner when we know for a fact that the moment of change came with a conversation between the player and his head coach. (It appears that Triano is slowly working his way down the line with his young players. Maybe he should consider having a blunt conversation with Davon Reed as soon as he is finally called up and see if he “can turn Reed around” immediately?)

If you heard the interview live or listened to the podcast clip above, then you heard that Triano had a sit down conversation with Jackson and that he bluntly said that he had a lack of confidence in the rookie. Jackson was perceptive and thanked his head coach for the insight into his thinking.

Triano noted that he had not had a preconceived plan to sit Jackson for a game, but that he didn’t feel comfortable playing him that fateful night against Atlanta. The Suns won (by 1), and according to Triano, Jackson “sat well”. In this he meant that while Jackson didn’t play, he didn’t complain, he remained engaged, and was prepared to go if called upon.

When asked now, a week later, what his level of confidence in Jackson is, Triano replied “it’s a lot better, for sure.”

One can’t get much more of a glowing review from their head coach than that.

At this moment, Jackson looks like a new player. His recent play has been filled with confidence, with smart play, and obviously now we know why and what caused this change in his game.

Next: How the Suns can pull off a trade for a star

As with his 3-point shooting, Suns fans shouldn’t expect this current trend to continue without interruption. However, with confidence from the head coach comes minutes. With minutes comes the ability to make plays. With the understanding that the minutes must be earned and not gifted, comes smarter play.

Josh Jackson is a smart player.

Josh Jackson is a good player.

Josh Jackson has turned the corner, and the Phoenix Suns are better for it.

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