Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League

2. Josh Jackson looks like the real deal

Josh Jackson didn’t play in the Suns’ final consolation game Friday, but the five-game sample size he provided was enough to assure fans he’s going to be good.

Averaging 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft displayed many of the strengths that were expected of him from all the pre-draft scouting reports.

He’s a well-rounded player who contributes in nearly every stat column; he has a lightning quick first step; he’s got great vision and passing ability; he’s a tenacious and versatile defender; he crashes the boards hard; he’s athletic and can get to the basket; the list goes on and on.

However, even if he only shot 42.5 percent from the field, he also displayed some impressive one-on-one moves to create space and either launch that unwieldy jumper of his or attack the rim.

Jackson’s biggest weakness — perimeter shooting — also reared its head, with the Kansas product connecting on just three of his 16 attempts from three-point range (18.8 percent).

That being said, the jumper wasn’t going to fix itself overnight, and Jackson certainly wasn’t shy about hoisting shots. When he was aggressive and got to the basket, good things usually happened.

Whether it was a 21 and 15 double-double or a pair of fear-inducing dunks, Jackson was a clear and constant Summer League standout.

Overlooking the production and the trademark afro that makes him look like Stretch from NBA Street, Josh Jackson still would’ve been impossible to ignore for that competitive fire that fuels his game.

The scouts weren’t kidding about that feistiness being a huge part of his game.

As if that downright mean chase-down block wasn’t enough, Jackson stares down his victim afterward — even as the play heads in the opposite direction.

Suns fans are going to love this kid, and other fanbases are going to grow to hate this young, plucky squad that doesn’t give a damn about the feathers they’re going to ruffle in victory or defeat.

Josh Jackson’s strengths and weaknesses were on display at Summer League as advertised, but even with that lackluster jumper of his, the Suns’ newest rookie was able to make a strong opening statement on both ends of the floor.

Reading into Summer League successes and failures is a fool’s errand, but there’s no question that Josh Jackson is already looking like the real deal.