Skip to main content

Josh Jackson Slides in 2017 NBA Re-Draft

The Suns' No. 4 pick is taken late in the first round in Bleacher Report's re-draft of 2017.

Needless to say, the Phoenix Suns would love a re-do of the 2017 NBA Draft. 

With the No. 4 pick, the Suns selected Kansas Jayhawks SG/SF Josh Jackson. It was perhaps the man they wanted all along, as it would later be unveiled that Jackson cancelled his workout with the Boston Celtics (who picked at No. 3) and the Suns didn't deny any involvement with that. 

Jackson showed some early promise, earning All-Summer League first team honors before his rookie season began. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per night, good enough for NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. 

However, Jackson would only last one more season with Phoenix prior to being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in July of 2019. 

In retrospect, the selection was obviously viewed as a bust by Suns fans. Bleacher Report would agree. 

B/R's recent re-drafting of the 2017 NBA Draft saw Jackson slide all the way to No. 26.

B/R Slots Josh Jackson as Late-Round Pick in 2017 Re-Draft

Josh Jackson

26. Josh Jackson (Originally Picked 4th)

"There are still some intriguing elements in Josh Jackson's game. He's 6'8", plays decent, switchable defense and has even showed some playmaking chops. Over the last four seasons, he's averaged 3.2 assists per 75 possessions.

"Unfortunately, Jackson has a career true shooting percentage of 49.5. That level of inefficiency is difficult to overcome."

Hindsight is 20/20, but Phoenix fans look back at that draft and sting seeing players such as Bam Adebayo, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and John Collins be drafted afterwards. 

Thank you for making Inside The Suns your destination for Phoenix Suns news. Please be sure to give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Twitter @InsideTheSunsSI for news, updates, analysis and more!

Top Phoenix Suns News

Josh Okogie: Phoenix Suns Secret Weapon?

Suns Featured in Can't-Miss Games

Five Suns Land in NBA Top 150 Fantasy Rankings

Bleacher Report Predicts Suns' 2022-23 Record

Suns 2022-23 Schedule Unveiled

Phoenix All-in on NBA Title Push

What a Suns Small-Ball Lineup Would Look Like

Mock Trade Lands Point Guard in Phoenix