5 players the Phoenix Suns should maybe have taken over Josh Jackson
1. Donovan Mitchell (6-3 215, 22-years-old – 13th pick)
18-19 Stats : 43-32-79 shooting, 2.3 treys – 22.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals
Donovan Mitchell‘s biggest knock coming into the league was that he was small for a two guard in the pros.
His strong frame and 6’10” wingspan showed he wasn’t listening to that kind of negativity in his life. Combine that with elite speed, pretty body control and jaw dropping athleticism and you get a very special guard that has a very bright future in this league.
He is improving his shot, can drive to the rim and throw it down on anyone at any time.
See Slam Dunk Champion 2018.
On the defensive end, he’s shown he can shut down three different positions.
There is a lot to like about him. I mean, a lot.
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How would he and Booker fit together on the court might be a question but in Head Coach Igor Kokoskov’s system?
I think they’d be a very thrilling combo. Arguably if not indisputably, the best combo with Booker of any potential combo in this top-five.
Add in Ayton and that’s one heck of a trio.
As a rookie in last year’s playoffs he put up a 42-31-91 shooting line, made 2.3 triples and averaged 24.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game with just 2.9 turnovers.
Suns fans are pretty familiar with him and I’m sure you all remember last season when he faced off against Phoenix and went off for 40 points on 74% shooting, making 7 treys along with posting 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
He’s already had 10 games with 30+ points in his career, 11 games with 7+ assists, 10 games with 7+ rebounds, 17 games with 3+ steals and 20 games with at least 4 made 3’s.
When a rookie is breaking rookie records previously set by Blake Griffin, Allen Iverson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain you know he’s gonna be good. For a long time.
Next. The Phoenix Suns' top 2019 draft pick should be off limits. dark
I am pulling for Josh Jackson. I really am. He’s the guy the Suns selected, he’s the young man we have on the team and he’s the one we need to do well.
But, over time, fans not just of the Suns but the league as a whole will be watching these other guys. I hope Jackson’s potential comes to fruition and he isn’t just noted as another mistake by Ryan McDonough and the Phoenix Suns.