2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 24 power rankings
5. Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns
Last week: 4th (↓1)
The Phoenix Suns‘ losing skid is currently at 11 games but rookie Josh Jackson hasn’t let that stop him from producing. It’s been tough sledding team-wise, but Jackson continues to come into his own off the bench.
For March, Jackson averaged 16.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. He shot 42.4 percent from the floor while also shooting 21.4 percent from 3-point range.
Jackson is one rookie who, despite coming off the bench, has seen roughly 30 minutes per game in the past two months. He’s made the most of his increased playing time for a team destined for the NBA Draft Lottery for another year.
With youth all over the roster, Jackson’s upside has helped give the Phoenix front office something to gloat about. Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss haven’t lived up to expectations just yet, but Jackson has taken the pressure off of them for now.