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 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.
