Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 1 in 2018 NBA Draft

3. Jaren Jackson Jr., C — Michigan State

Don’t make the mistake of sleeping on Jaren Jackson Jr. Though he’s probably the least sexy option on this list, the Suns don’t need sexy; they need good, they need reliable and they need defense. Jackson could very well be that kind of anchor at the next level after averaging 3.0 blocks in only 21.8 minutes per game (5.5 per 40 minutes) at Michigan State.

Mo Bamba may have the wingspan and higher defensive ceiling, but Jackson is easily the better shot-blocker and more positionally versatile defender at this stage thanks to his excellent instincts and timing when contesting shots at the rim.

It’s not just the defensive end where Jackson shows a ton of promise, however. The 6’11” big man — who doubles as one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class at 18 years old — also spaced the floor with 39.6 percent shooting from downtown on 2.7 attempts per game.

His 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game hardly leap off the page, and there’s no question he’s got to improve on the boards, particularly when it comes to his physicality. But having a player who can switch onto guards and wings is paramount in the modern NBA, and since JJJ can do so while still protecting the rim, he’d be a dependable two-way option at the 5 for the Suns.

With that being said, Jackson needs to get stronger on the offensive end and add more to his repertoire than straight-line drives to the basket. His 3-point release is a bit unorthodox even if it is effective, and he’s a below-average, somewhat predictable playmaker overall on offense.

Jaren Jackson definitely deserves to be in the mix with the “handful” of players McDonough said the Suns will evaluate for the No. 1 overall pick, but like Bagley and Bamba, there are a few notable flaws that prevent him from joining the conversation among the clear-cut top two.