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The Suns’ Next All-Star Tandem: Booker and Jackson

By Zachary Spiecker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 4: Devin Booker #1 and Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Devin Booker;Josh Jackson
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 4: Devin Booker #1 and Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Devin Booker;Josh Jackson /
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Devin Booker is already there. Josh Jackson is well on his way. The Phoenix Suns now have their all-star tandem of the future.

Devin Booker and Josh Jackson have been on a tear recently. Since the turn of the year you’d be hard-pressed to find a younger, more impactful duo. With that, comes a bold prediction: Devin Booker and Josh Jackson will be the next all-star pair to dominate in the desert.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

First off, the scorer. As you are probably all aware, Devin Booker has become a dominant offensive force, unlike that that the Suns have seen since Amar’e Stoudemire in his prime. Booker is already the face of the Suns and is renowned as one of the best shooting guards in the league. He is also still only 21-years-old.

There is nowhere to go but up for Booker, but just how high can he go? He is averaging an efficient 25.3 points per game to go along with about 5 rebounds and 5 assists. So, can he average 30 points a game? Can he shoot 50-40-90? I wouldn’t rule out Booker having multiple seasons where he averages over 30 points and shoots something around 48-38-90 while maintaining his assist and rebound totals. Numbers like that would definitely land him an all-star nod. Probably a lot of them.

Then there’s Josh Jackson. If he had played all season like he has since 2018 began, he’d be in the Rookie of the Year race. More than just an offensive threat himself, he has consistently played solid defense, something you can’t say about most Suns.

Josh Jackson’s best comparison since the break has easily been a prime Andre Iguodala. Yet he has the athleticism, defensive ability and scoring punch to be a better version of Iguodala. And, in case you forgot, Iggy did make an All-Star Game in 2011. Jackson can definitely do the same. He’s not going to be a consistent all-star like Booker will, but he will definitely find his way into three or four.

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Given the Suns struggles of years past, a pair such as Booker and Jackson have been much needed. If both of these guys get to where they can be, the Suns will have their best duo since Amare and Nash.

Also, add Ayton or Doncic to this duo, and you’re looking at the best young core in the NBA.

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