Bridges and Jackson become two-way menaces
The Boston Celtics have a good thing going right now. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum aren’t asked to be stars on the wing, but they’re key contributors. They’re good shooters and strong on both sides of the ball. If Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are going to be the Suns’ stars, Mikal Bridges and Josh Jackson need to turn into solid complimentary pieces.
Neither has to be elite, but if they could make some key improvements, things would be looking up for the Phoenix Suns. In the best case scenario, they both develop skills complimentary to the team’s two main pieces, as well as to each other.
For Josh Jackson, he needs to improve his jump shot, decision making, and defensive consistency. He shot well below 30 percent from three last season, and with Ayton in the middle, he’ll need to be able to shoot from the perimeter to spread the floor. With more experience behind the longer three point line, Jackson becoming a 35 percent three point shooter is an unlikely but legitimate possibility.
Jackson also needs to take smarter shots and rush less in general. Cutting turnovers and shooting at a higher clip would be huge for him. He has the size and athleticism to be a top defender in the league, much like he was in college. More focus should allow for more consistency. As for Bridges, if he can improve his handle, he has all the other tools needed to be a solid two-way wing.
If they can both make these significant improvements, the Suns would have to be thrilled. Playing the two of them together would make for an athletic duo on the wing similar to that of the Celtics, and it would make life easier for the rest of the team.