Phoenix Suns: 2017-18 NBA season preview
Storyline 1: Warren vs. Jackson as the starting small forward
Josh Jackson is the perfect complement to Booker as a defensive stalwart, slasher and possible secondary scorer. Between those two, the Suns have two foundational pillars to build upon. The question is, how soon does Jackson bring the future into the present and earn the starting job?
Some already believe Jackson is a better NBA player than T.J. Warren, the current starter at the 3-spot. Jackson’s jumper is a long-term project, but he’s already a stout defender, superior facilitator and more well-rounded player overall. However, he’s also a 20-year-old rookie who will most likely take his lumps, even if he does wind up being Phoenix’s long-term fixture at small forward.
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As for Warren, he’s had problems staying healthy through his first three seasons in the league and hasn’t proven himself as a starting-caliber wing. In fact, at this point, his destiny seems to be a high-octane bucket-getter off the bench in a sixth man role.
However, Warren has improved on the defensive end and has an undeniable knack for putting the ball in the basket — something Jackson may struggle with as he adjusts to the next level. Warren is not a 3-point shooter either, but he enters the 2017-18 campaign with a bit of momentum after averaging 17.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 56 percent from the floor after the All-Star break.
Warren will probably get the starting nod to start the season, but don’t be surprised if #TheTimeline takes over at some point…or if Jackson actually winds up outplaying Warren and snagging the starting job for the foreseeable future.