Everything Phoenix Suns Need to Know About Josh Jackson
The Phoenix Suns were able to fill a hole with Josh Jackson at No. 4 in the NBA draft.
He'll slide right into the lineup on the wing with Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker set in the backcourt and Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender poised for bigger roles.
Jackson is coming off a productive year at Kansas and a bigger second half of the season, highlighted by his eye-catching 23 points in the Jayhawks' win over Michigan State in the NCAA tournament.
He even drew predraft interest from the top teams on the board, having received workout invitations from the Boston Celtics (before they traded down from No. 1) and worked out for the Los Angels Lakers on separate occasions.
The Suns will ultimately bank on Jackson developing into a long-term cornerstone at forward and a valued two-way player.
He's Been Under Scouts' Watch for Years
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Jackson has been under scouts' watch since 2013 when he played in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship and Adidas Nations.
He contributed to two more gold medals during World Championships over the next two summers before the Nike Hoop Summit and McDonald's All-American Game.
In that time, Jackson would creep up the recruiting rankings all the way to No. 1 for certain services (Scout, Rivals, 247Sports).
His 35 games at Kansas were only a piece of the scouting equation.
He's Old for His Class
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Jackson was one-and-done, but he's older than the other freshmen who entered the draft.
He'll be 21 years old on February 10, roughly three weeks before Jayson Tatum turns 20. Markelle Fultz turned 19 just one month ago (May 29).
On one hand, Jackson's age could suggest he's more physically ready to compete. Skeptics will point to the idea that it just means less room and time for growth. And Jackson has some weaknesses in his game that will require time to sharpen.
He's Quick and Explosive
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Jackson is in the mix for most explosive prospect in the class.
He's a powerful leaper around the basket when taking off from transition, cuts or drives. Jackson finished with 54 dunks (five of which were putbacks) in 35 games, per Synergy Sports.
For a 6'8" forward, it's also tough to top his quickness, which creates exciting defensive potential.
He still needs to improve his discipline to become more consistent and effective, but Jackson's size and foot speed could allow him to guard positions 1-4.
Short Arms, Measurements Mirror Khris Middleton's
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Jackson's physical profile comes closest to matching Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton (6'8 ¼", 6'10 ¾" wingspan at the 2012 draft combine).
He has good height for a wing or even a small-ball 4, but he doesn't possess standout length, which last measured 6'9 ¾" at the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit.
Compared to the other first-round prospects who play his position, his arms are shorter than Jayson Tatum's, Jonathan Isaac's, Justin Jackson's and OG Anunoby's.
Versatility Sets Jackson Apart from Other Wings
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Jackson's game covers ground with versatility that sets him apart and drives his value.
His 18.2 career assist percentage was higher than any other first-round forward's. Jackson has playmaking potential, with the ability to maneuver off the dribble and pass on the move using either hand. His comfort level initiating the secondary break or facilitating off-ball screens is a differentiating strength behind the Andre Iguodala comparisons.
Otherwise, Jackson threatens the defense with athletic plays in transition and electric slashing. And he's shown he can improvise around the post with one-handers and fallaways.
Flashes of pull-up and step-back scoring, along with a rising three-point percentage, suggest there is plenty of scoring upside for Phoenix coaches to develop.
Shooting Will Be Key
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Jackson's 37.8 percent three-point mark suddenly doesn't look so assuring after seeing he shot 56.6 percent from the free-throw line (173 attempts).
From Brandon Ingram to Justise Winslow, we've learned over the years that free-throw accuracy may be the more telling early indicator.
Jackson's three-point sample size was also small (1.0 makes per game), and his final percentage was the result of a late-season hot streak.
There are some questions concerning his mechanics, which show a low-released, two-handed flinging motion.
To become a volume scorer for Phoenix and eventual All-Star wing, Jackson's shooting development will be key.
No Speciality Skill
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Jackson checks boxes across the board, but at this stage, he doesn't specialize in any one area outside of attacking.
Though a capable shot-creator, he's not overly advanced with his one-on-one handle or execution. Jackson ranked in the 22nd percentile in isolation scoring and 16th percentile in pick-and-roll scoring, per DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz.
He can make outside shots, but he only hit 20 percent of them off the dribble in the mid-range, per Synergy (via Givony and Schmitz). And he didn't convert a convincing number of threes or free throws relative to his minutes and attempts.
Even with impressive passing instincts, he's still not sharp or creative enough to earn the label of point forward.
Defensively, he guarded four positions at Kansas. He also let frustration affect his decision-making. We saw too many bad fouls (3.9 per 40 minutes), technicals and gambles.
He Competes
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Jackson's skill level may be questioned, but not his effort. He competes and brings intensity and passion.
His competitive edge shows mostly on defense, where he's active and aggressive. When Jackson locks in, he'll get up in opposing ball-handlers' grills and pressure them into mistakes or turnovers.
He makes hustle plays for 50-50 balls and seeks out opportunities to erase layups or fast breaks.
Jackson's productive mix of athleticism and energy could wind up holding value in itself.
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