Top Phoenix Suns storylines to watch for this season
By Roger Acker
4. Josh Jackson‘s decision-making
It would be easy to point to shooting as the most important improvement Jackson should make this season. He shot a miserable 26.3% from 3 last season and it would open up the court for Booker and Ayton if he became a legit threat, while improving the versatility of his game.
However, the most vital improvement Jackson must show this season is in his decision-making with the ball.
The talent is there, which is why he was picked fourth overall. Being a smarter ball-handler is the only way to maximize that talent, or he will continue to look like he did in Summer League – meh.
Jackson has shown the ability to make difficult passes, but needs work improving his court vision and reaction time to see open players and make the right play. He averaged more turnovers than assists his rookie year, and if the Suns want to use Booker as a primary play-maker, Jackson will need to make a leap in that department to give Book as many options as possible while keeping the defense honest.
It will also be vital that Jackson learns how to play off of Booker and Ayton.
Utilizing his athleticism with backdoor cuts and running off screens could make him a dangerous threat off Booker, but too much of that and he can clog the lane for Ayton to operate.
Jackson has the talent to become a star for the Phoenix Suns, but if he cannot improve his decision making next year, don’t be surprised to see some of his minutes given to Bridges this year, who is expected to have an established role next season.