Phoenix Suns: 3 takeaways from preseason opener vs. Blazers

3. Josh Jackson is ready for minutes

In his preseason debut, Josh Jackson looked an awful lot like a rookie. The good news is, he looked like a rookie who’s ready for consistent minutes off the bench this year.

This shouldn’t be a surprise for the No. 4 overall pick, especially after he posted 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in Las Vegas en route to All-Summer League First Team honors.

But on Tuesday night, even though he committed an unacceptable six turnovers, he also finished with 14 points and three rebounds in more reserved playing time.

Jackson was unafraid to attack the basket. Despite his wonky release, he knocked down his first two 3-pointers. And although he displayed an unfortunate case of tunnel vision on a few of his forays to the basket, Jackson also showed the speed, athleticism and offensive arsenal to create his own looks and get past his initial defender.

It was only one preseason game, but Jackson already looks like a promising (albeit flawed) contributor for the Suns’ bench this season.