PHOENIX SUNS

Suns rookie Josh Jackson draws high praise from a league scout

Jul 19, 2017, 6:02 PM

Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson grabs a rebound next to Sacramento Kings' Jack Cooley during the first h...

Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson grabs a rebound next to Sacramento Kings' Jack Cooley during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game, Friday, July 7, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

(AP Photo/John Locher)

Going into the NBA Summer League, expectations were very high for the Suns’ fourth overall pick Josh Jackson.

Touted as one of the best two-way players in the draft, Jackson put his skills on full display in Vegas, averaging 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in his five Summer League games.

His offense was evident, but it was his defense that drew the most praise from a league scout that Sporting News’ Sean Deveney spoke to.

“You can do anything with this guy defensively. He can guard four positions. He has instincts, he can swallow up shooting guards with his length and his athleticism, but he is strong enough to handle 4s. His ability to get to the basket is terrific, but the way he can switch off anyone and still handle himself defensively, that is going to change things for the Suns.”

 

Jackson’s defensive versatility should improve a Suns team that ranked dead last in opponent points per game last season, giving up an average of 113.3 points a game.

The downside of Jackson’s “NBA debut” however was his shot. That same scout thinks Jackson may need to go in a different direction with his stroke.

“He won’t be able to live off athleticism on the offensive end in the NBA. He needs to completely rebuild his shot, I think. He is young enough that you can break him down and rebuild his jumper and probably do it pretty quickly.”

Jackson didn’t let his poor jumper hold him back from taking an open three though, attempting 16 shots behind the arc, while putting in just three.

The Suns obviously hope that Jackson’s shot will come around, but time will tell if that is just going to take more shots in the gym or a completely new jumper.

But whether his jumper is working or not, Jackson still finds a way to score and make his presence known on both ends of the floor.

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.

9 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.

14 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

Suns rookie Josh Jackson draws high praise from a league scout