Phoenix Suns: 4 players you’ll talk about more in 2017-18
By Drew Zlogar
Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr. is the third name on the Suns that many haven’t talked about, but fans will start to bring up in conversations more and more. Yes, I know, DJJ is the high-flying kid that was in the Slam Dunk Contest. But how many times did you actually bring up his game performances at the water cooler?
Derrick Jones spent most of last season in the now G League, only making 32 game appearances for the Suns. His numbers in his 32 appearances are not anything to write home about, but I am still intrigued.
DJJ has off-the-charts athleticism, that with a more consistent role, can really benefit him in the scrappy, hard-nosed stat categories. At 6’7″, Jones Jr. can be one of the better shot-blocking wings in the game. His wiry frame, to go along with an insane wingspan, makes you lick your chops thinking about what could be on the defensive end.
Just by being on the floor for 18-20 minutes a game, he can grab around five boards, block a shot and guard a number of positions. His offensive game is still not polished, but on a team with enough young scoring potential, DJJ can be highly valued in the other categories.
He didn’t win the Dunk Contest last season after being the dark horse choice, and a lot of people wrote him off. I think this year in a bigger role with the Suns, now in his second year in the league, DJJ will show people that his game expands past the fact that his chin touches the rim when he jumps.