The Phoenix Suns deserve an “A” for their 2019 offseason

Overall Rationale

The arguments against James Jones receiving an “A” grade for his work this summer is the fact that he “gave away” both T.J. Warren plus his second round pick, and Josh Jackson, each for basically for nothing in return but cap space.

Fans expected to see a return on those players in trade, and instead Jones essentially accumulated nothing but cap space – hardly a sexy return in the world of NBA trades.

However, while we cannot fully  grade out a single offseason until the season is under way and we see whether or not all of the new pieces work together as hoped, context must be taken in when “instantly” rating how an offseason should be graded.

Consider that in two moves (a trade and a free agency signing), James Jones addressed both the starting point guard and power forward holes that have plagued the Phoenix Suns for the past two years.

Consider too that (again, not the sexy  pick) he drafted the best  3-point shooter in the entire draft – regardless of what the rookies voted; and then with his second first round pick, took a player that rookies believe is also in the top-five in shooting.

Consider finally that Josh Jackson can no longer be a distraction for this franchise. James Jones bet on that Jackson is an NBA bust in this league and not worth the franchise’s resources (be it time, money, and energy) to rehabilitate and continue to help him grow.

Did any fans cry over the Jackson trade? Absolutely not.

Are fans really all that heart-broken that Warren was traded for nothing?

They certainly should not be – especially because his deal directly allowed for the signing of Rubio (and who is more important to the franchise between those two?)

James Jones’ offseason of rebuilding the Phoenix Suns, I believe, went phenomenally well.

Only time will tell whether or not his moves will all work out, but I have to admit: I’d definitely rather go in the direction he went, than continuing the one begun by his predecessor.