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Rookie Ladder: Lottery picks off to disappointing starts

By Brandon Jefferson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies in the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies in the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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4. Josh Jackson — Phoenix Suns (No. 4 pick)

When the Phoenix Suns decided to fire Earl Watson after a horrendous three-game stretch to open the season, their latest lottery pick got moved to the bench under interim coach Jay Triano.

Josh Jackson responded to the demotion by having his best game of his rookie campaign against the Sacramento Kings –15 points in 24 minutes. Now, maybe Jackson has a vendetta against the California capital, but since that game he’s had a very up-and-down set of games for the Suns.

In his three games as a starter, Jackson was averaging 11.7 points per game while shooting a ridiculous 45.5 percent on 3-pointers. Since moving to the bench those numbers have dropped to 9.1 points per game and a 3-point percentage of 30. Without the likes of Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker and T.J. Warren surrounding him, offense has been harder for Jackson with the second unit.

Leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft Jackson was the most sought after prospect outside of the top three picks. Now, especially with the Celtics atop the Eastern Conference, it is laughable to think that Phoenix refused to part with him in any potential Kyrie Irving deal this past summer.

Jackson’s will and effort have always won out in the long run and he is no stranger to adversity on or off the court. As an organization, Phoenix has not been the most well-run team in the NBA lately.

However, following the Bledsoe trade, the Suns are finally embracing their youth movement and seem to be a couple moves away from getting Jackson back onto the floor as a starter. Until that happens, Jackson’s stint on the bench has produced more negatives than positives for the lottery pick.

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