Phoenix Suns: 2017 NBA Draft Grades

(4) Josh Jackson/SF/Kansas

Grade: A

Stats: 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 51.3% field goals, 37.8% 3-point field goals

Analysis: There were rumors floating around earlier in the day the Suns were looking for a taker for Eric Bledsoe so they could take De’Aaron Fox. It would seem that those talks were ultimately fruitless and the pick wound up being Josh Jackson. Jackson deserved to be in the conversation as best overall player with Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. There were rumors of several teams having him at the top of their boards and looking to move into the top four to try and select him.

He can play the two, the three, and, despite not being the most imposing physical presence, even the four in a small ball lineup. If Kevin Durant can play power forward, so can Jackson. He should instantly challenge T.J. Warren for the starting small forward position and gives the Suns a skillset they are missing.

Fit: The Suns’ biggest needs heading into the draft were wing defense and outside shooting. Jackson should be able to help with both of those. He is very quick laterally and makes good decisions on defense. He had the third lowest defensive rating on the Jayhawks last year at 96.0.

He’s not a lights out shooter by any means but he did shoot a respectable 37.8% from downtown last year. He does need to improve his free throw shooting, which was only 56.6%. While he is able to create his own shot, his jumper has a hitch to it and his mechanics need to be refined if he’s going to be a consistent shooter.

“I think I bring toughness, versatility, being able to guard 1 through 4 on the defensive end,” Jackson said, “and also being able to play the 1 through 4 on the offensive end.

“And as I watch today’s NBA basketball, versatility is probably the most important thing in this league today. I think it’ll be really special.”

(32) Davon Reed/SG/Miami

Grade: B

Stats: 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 47.4% field goals, 39.7% 3-point field goals

Analysis: Reed has great physical attributes, standing 6'5" with a 7' wingspan. He’s got active hands on defense and averaged 1.3 steals per game last season. He’s also got a good looking three point shot, but doesn’t always look to shoot. He’s not the most aggressive or explosive player and that may keep him in the G-League for a bit, but he has the potential to be a 3 and D player off the bench.

(54) Alec Peters/PF/Valparaiso

Grade: B+

Stats: 22.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 51.4% field goals, 36.9% 3-point field goals

Analysis: Some projected Peters as a fringe first rounder, but instead he almost didn’t even get drafted because of a broken foot that restricted him from working out for teams. While this could be said about more than a few picks, he could wind up the steal of the draft. He was the Horizon League Player of the Year and Valparaiso’s all time leading scorer.

He’s a very gifted offensive player, both in the post and on the perimeter, but he does struggle against bigger defenders. His wingspan is 6'9", which isn’t great for a 6'9" player. He is also a bit of a defensive liability in one-on-one situations, although he plays well in team scenarios. A few seasons in the G-League may develop him into an NBA role player, but he is already 22 years old. He is a hard working player and should be a fan and teammate favorite.