Power Forward
Starter: Josh Jackson
Reserves: Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, Jared Dudley
It appears that Josh Jackson will be in the starting lineup regardless of what positional tag is placed on him, with the newest presumption that he will be a “power forward” while playing next to Mikal Bridges, for reasons as stated in the small forward review.
Jackson can act as a stretch-four as he is a naturally decent ball-handler, although this title is somewhat contingent on his outside shot improves. We already know that he makes things happen with the ball in his hands as he is good at both creating his own shot as well as driving his defenders to the rim.
Without the ball, Jackson is an encyclopedia example of an object in constant motion. His flashes to the rim looking for alley-oops will not only keep his defender honest, but will also attract a lot of attention from Bridges’ wing defender and Ayton’s interior defender, often leaving one of those two players open for a shot. Even a split second of another defender trying to stop Jackson’s rush to the rim can open up an opportunity for either Bridges or Ayton, each of whom are good shooters from 15-feet out.
Of course there has been talk that the Suns might have interest in a power forward either through trade or free agency, so if a star is acquired then it throws this position into flux as Jackson might be moved back down to small forward and the presumed depth chart will be affected.
If this does not happen, then Marquese Chriss will be the presumed first reserve. However if Dragan Bender’s 3-point shot continues to improve as it did last season from his rookie year and he puts on a little weight this offseason, then he might supplant Chriss as the first backup as his excellent shooting will be a tremendous asset to the team.
Jared Dudley will be there as well, but one must presume that his minutes will be even more limited than they were already last year, and that his role as the veteran who leads by both words and example on the bench, in the locker room, and in the practice gym, will be that much more valuable now with Ayton and Bridges on the roster.