While the 2017 NBA Draft class is largely off to a hot start, Phoenix Suns swingman Josh Jackson has struggled to some degree as a rookie. The 20-year-old from Kansas has endured efficiency issues while his team scuffles considerably and, while it is far too early to begin writing him off from a big-picture perspective, Jackson has largely operated outside of the national consciousness when compared to the other top-tier players in the group.
On Tuesday evening, though, Jackson made a highlight-reel play that should garner some attention and it came at the expense of 2016 first round pick Jakob Poeltl. In short, a crossover from Jackson sent the 7-foot Poeltl flying toward the floor before a beautiful drop-off pass to Suns big man Alex Len for a dunk.
That is absolute filth and, if anything, it looks even more devastating from another angle.
Of course, it has to be noted that the Suns were already well on their way to another loss when this transpired but that particular result is secondary to Jackson flashing signs of the considerable potential he possesses. Growing pains will likely continue but, as long as Jackson is developing alongside Devin Booker and the rest of Phoenix’s young core, optimism will persist.
