Phoenix Suns: 5 goals for Josh Jackson’s rookie season

As the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Josh Jackson seems to have a bright future. Here are five goals he should have for his first season with the Phoenix Suns.

Despite the swirl of trade rumors leading up to draft night (and even into August regarding Kyrie Irving), the Phoenix Suns were ecstatic when Josh Jackson fell to them as the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

It’s no surprise to hear Arizona Sports 98.7‘s John Gambadoro and ESPN‘s Ramona Shelburne confirm that the Suns will not include Jackson in an offseason trade leading up to his rookie year, which seems to be the smartest call given the potential of the former Kansas Jayhawk.

In his lone season under Bill Self, the fiery Jackson averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range.

From his playmaking on the wing to his stout defense to his competitive fire, Josh Jackson falling to No. 4 was the best-case scenario for the Suns, who need a surefire prospect at the 3 for their rebuild given T.J. Warren‘s unsteady start to his career.

After watching Jackson put up 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game during NBA Summer League, it’s clear his potential is sky-high, with some going as far as predicting his ceiling to be the highest among any player in this year’s talented draft class.

While that remains to be seen, step one is getting acclimated to the NBA level in his first professional season. Bearing this in mind, here’s a look at five reasonable goals for Josh Jackson to focus on during his rookie year with the Phoenix Suns.