5 players the Phoenix Suns should maybe have taken over Josh Jackson
With the fourth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Josh Jackson. A defensive small forward with offensive potential to pair with offensive weapon Devin Booker. Was that the wrong pick?
Josh Jackson was the selection by the Phoenix Suns with the fourth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. But was it the right one?
He was projected to be a defensive lock down player with offensive potential. That would be a solid fit next to Devin Booker.
He’s shown that defensive side at times. However, his shooting has been horrific. For a fourth pick, Josh has NOT lived up to the hype. AT ALL.
In 85 total games through his young career, he’s sitting at 42-26-62 shooting splits, making 0.7 3’s and averaging 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1 steal and 0.5 blocks with 2 turnovers per game.
That’s not a bust line. But it’s not a stud line either.
Take it back to the end of last season.
Jackson showed his potential and it makes you have high hopes for who he can become.
In the last 39 games of 2017-18, he had a 44-28-69 shooting line with 0.9 treys, putting up 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks with 2.1 turnovers per game.
Phoenix Suns
The shooting needed to improve but he showed signs of a star in the making. The defense was there too, it just needs to be honed. He was noticed for his efforts and named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
Fast forward to the start of this season.
Through 8 games, he has an UGLY 39-27-36 shooting line with 0.8 triples and is posting a mere 8 points, 2 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks with 3.1 turnovers per game.
He’s also been riding the bench. Coach Igor Kokoskov will not start him unless Devin Booker is out. Lately, rookie Mikal Bridges has come off the pine before him too.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying give up on him. He’s only 21-years-old and there have for sure been signs of him being exactly what the team needs next to Booker. A Kawhi Leonard-type player.
But, the way he started the season last year and the way he’s played as of late leave A LOT to be desired and fans are getting impatient.
It’s brought up the question.
Was he the right draft pick? Did the Suns miss out and grab the wrong guy?
I hope not. I like Josh. But it’s not just about him. There are 60 players in a draft, 30 first round picks and several other guys that were available with the fourth pick that have shown more and get you thinking “What if we had selected them instead?”
Some honorable mentions I need to throw out there are OG Anunoby, Frank Ntilikina, Jonathan Isaac, Zach Collins, John Collins and Jarrett Allen. Right now you can’t say with confidence that you would rather have them. However, they are names to watch and very well may make you change your mind.
This piece is going to strictly discuss five guys that really make you wonder. As a trio with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, what if we had them as the third head to create Cerberus?
It adds salt to the wound when you notice they all play at our 2 biggest positions of need. A power forward next to Ayton and a guard that can distribute next to Booker.
*NOTE – All stats as of Sunday morning*