Josh Jackson’s All-Rookie second team selection is only the first step

It’s great that Phoenix Suns wing Josh Jackson was selected to the NBA All-Rookie second team, however it should be viewed as a small step in his career.

The Phoenix Suns continue to get good news in May. First the franchise hired Igor Kokoskov as their head coach, then they got the first number one overall pick in the club’s history and now Josh Jackson got selected to the All-Rookie second team. This selection validates the hard work Jackson had put into his game thus far. However, this shouldn’t be the highlight of Jackson’s career and if he continues to put in the work this offseason, then he should be able to get to higher points throughout his career.

Jackson’s rookie campaign was very solid for a first year player. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds,1.5 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from the 3-point line. Jackson was a highlight real his rookie year as well.

However, his overall average doesn’t tell the tale of the season that Josh Jackson had. Before the All-Star break Josh Jackson looked to be a long shot to make the All-Rookie team. He was only averaging 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals in 57 games. However, for the 20 games Jackson played in post All-Star break he was on fire. He averaged 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Jackson will have to carry that level of play and intensity into next season if the Suns are to have a shot at the playoffs.

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While Jackson’s rookie year ended with him playing at a higher level then when he started his rookie year, there are several areas Jackson needs to improve upon in order to evolve as a player. The biggest fault in Jackson’s game right now is his 3-point shot. For the season, he shot 26.3 percent on shots from downtown. If Jackson can improve his 3-point shot to around 35 percent, it will allow him and the Suns to be more efficient on offense.

The other main area where Jackson can improve is adding more muscle to his 6-foot-8 and 200 lbs frame. Adding muscle to his frame will allow him to be more physical on both sides of the ball, which could improve his rebounding and steals stats. It would also allow him to drive into the paint with more ease as well. If Jackson can improve on those two areas, he can become much more than just an All-Rookie second team.

Next: Phoenix Suns to bring in Woodson and Williamson as assistant coaches

Josh Jackson should be proud and thrilled he made the All-Rookie second team. However, he shouldn’t be content with that and should use it as motivation to get better this offseason. The ceiling is high for Jackson and hopefully he strives to reach the top.