PHOENIX SUNS

ESPN’s Chad Ford gives Phoenix Suns ‘A’ grade for 2017 NBA Draft

Jun 23, 2017, 8:27 AM | Updated: 11:32 am

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) drives past TCU forward Karviar Shepherd (32) during the first half ...

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) drives past TCU forward Karviar Shepherd (32) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

The Phoenix Suns selected Kansas wing Josh Jackson No. 4 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, a player that made a whole lot of sense for the team.

General manager Ryan McDonough seemed to agree, revealing after the draft the team thought Jackson was the best player in the class.

It was a great night for the Suns and ESPN’s Chad Ford agrees.

Ford gave out five “A” grades to teams for their performance in the draft and one of them is Phoenix.

The Suns had some major internal debates over Jackson, De’Aaron Fox and Jonathan Isaac. Each of the three would’ve fit in his own way, but I like Jackson’s fit the best. As an athletic wing with a defensive edge, Jackson brings a toughness that this young Suns squad desperately needs.

Like Jackson, second-round picks Davon Reed and Alec Peters help fill the team’s biggest holes of shooting and defense.

Reed also can supply a defensive edge and length as a potential backup to Jackson. And Peters is a steal. Had he not gotten injured I think he would’ve gone in the first round. Big guys who can shoot with his accuracy will always find a place in the league.

I love how the Suns are beginning to round into form. As this young core develops, they should be able to make some noise in the playoffs in a few years.

Ford has been a big fan of the Suns’ recent drafts. He gave the 2016 class an “A” grade and the 2015 selection of Devin Booker a “B,” which would surely be changed to an “A” present day.

Phoenix Suns

Isaiah Thomas...

Dan Bickley

Isaiah Thomas signing is a wild swing for Suns in desperate times

Isaiah Thomas is a born fighter. He’s beaten the odds. The chip on his shoulder is permanent. It’s easy to rally around a player like him.

8 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Are the Phoenix Suns superstars done with Frank Vogel?

On Monday's Bickley Blast, Dan Bickley asks the question if the Suns' superstars have had bad body language recently and if it's because they want Frank Vogel gone.

13 hours ago

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should be watching during March Madness

The Phoenix Suns are slated to have a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and they could select one of the stars of the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix ...

Kellan Olson

Suns’ shocking lack of urgency continues in loss to Bucks without Giannis

The Phoenix Suns are playing like they have been afforded the luxury of time. But they are just about to run out of it.

1 day ago

Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Footp...

David Veenstra

Suns’ Josh Okogie out for matchup vs. Bucks, Antetokounmpo also out

Phoenix Suns' Josh Okogie is out for Sunday's game against the Bucks. Okogie has missed the past seven games with a lower abdominal strain.

2 days ago

Isaiah Thomas...

Damon Allred

Isaiah Thomas to return to Suns on 10-day contract, per report

Nearly two years since his last NBA minutes, point guard Isaiah Thomas is planning to sign a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns.

2 days ago

ESPN’s Chad Ford gives Phoenix Suns ‘A’ grade for 2017 NBA Draft