Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2017 NBA Draft
1. Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas
Josh Jackson is not a perfect prospect.
Though he shot 37.8 percent from three-point range on 2.8 attempts per game at Kansas, the mechanics of his shot are unconventional and they might not transfer well to the next level.
His scoring did not always come naturally, and there are off-court issues to consider now that he’s been mandated to take anger management classes and refrain from alcohol and recreational drugs for a year following a misdemeanor charge of criminal property damage. The Suns have had problems with former Kansas stars and off-court charges, if the Morris twins still ring a bell.
That being said, if Josh Jackson is on the board at No. 4, most Phoenix Suns fans would be absolutely thrilled. Unlike Tatum, another 3 with a questionable long range shot, Jackson brings a potentially elite defensive skill set to the table.
Hoping the team drafting 3rd doesn't take the guy you want so you can pick him at 4th is a familiar feeling for me. So here we go again!
— Scott Howard (@ScottHoward42) May 17, 2017
Despite falling all the way to No. 4 in the draft lottery, recent mock drafts from ESPN‘s Chad Ford, The Arizona Republic‘s Doug Haller, Sports Illustrated, Arizona Sports, The Ringer, USA TODAY Sports, Bleacher Report, FOX Sports and SBNation ALL have Jackson falling to the Suns at fourth overall.
Fultz and Ball will most likely go in the top-two, which leaves the Philadelphia 76ers as the biggest obstacle to a potential Suns-Jackson union. While he’d be a great addition to their defense, Philly’s frontcourt is already fairly set and Jackson’s lack of a proven perimeter shot could prompt the Sixers to look elsewhere — even if Ford says most scouts believe he’s the third-best prospect in the draft.
Several mock drafts have the Sixers taking Malik Monk to provide shooting or Jayson Tatum for go-to scoring ability, while Ford reports that they’re big fans of De’Aaron Fox as well.
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Either way, Jackson would provide the Suns with the best fit of the draft as a two-way prospect who could lend some lockdown defensive skills to a young team in desperate need on that end. Having someone so young to cover for the 20-year-old Devin Booker’s shortcomings on that end would be monumental for this team’s long-term outlook.
There’s also his offensive potential to consider. Though his jump shot needs some work, Jackson averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in college, shooting 51.3 percent from the field in the process.
His athleticism, high basketball IQ and exceptional playmaking ability on the wing would make him a multi-dimensional threat for a Suns team that’s already grooming several versatile players at multiple positions.
His 56.6 percent shooting from the foul line is a tell-tale sign that his shot mechanics still need improving, and he was prone to committing dumb fouls and picking up technicals. But in the right environment that could change, and hopefully Booker and some of the other Suns youngsters would be able to shore up Jackson’s long range weakness in the future.
T.J. Warren didn’t show the signs of immense growth the Suns were hoping for in 2016-17, and though his strong start and finish to the season were encouraging, it remains to be seen what the front office will do with a possible contract extension coming up this summer.
Either way, a rebuilding core of Ulis-Booker-Jackson-Chriss-Bender looks tantalizing on paper, even if their destinies in this league are hardly set in stone. It could also give the Suns two bonafide superstars for the future if both fully pan out.
Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition
From his explosive athleticism to his energy and playmaking on both ends, Jackson’s potential as a Tracy McGrady or Andre Iguodala type is worth salivating over, giving him a slight edge over a riskier proposition like Isaac.