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2018 NBA Draft: Best team fits for 5 of the top prospects

By Mason McFee

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 talks with Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans late in the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 talks with Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans late in the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Best Fit #3: 7SOL Is Back Baby!

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Phoenix Suns 

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Mike D’Antoni is reviving the offense that was ahead of its ti- what? He’s coaching the Houston Rockets now? Other teams are trying to emulate that style of play? It’s the norm?

Well, while D’Antoni may be long gone from Phoenix, the Suns are more in a rut than a valley. Let me be clear – they have a brighter (pun definitely intended) future than most of the rebuilding squads. Devin Booker is definitely a franchise cornerstone, and while it’s a small sample size, Elfrid Payton has fit in seamlessly with his new squad; already recording a triple double. I will go as far to say that Phoenix has its backcourt of the future.

You can make an argument that there are better options than Warren/Chriss/Bender, but their combined average age is roughly 21 years old; and that number is skewed because Warren is an ancient 24 years old. I’d counter that with the Suns should consider consolidating their glut of forwards (but I’d keep Warren and Jackson), but that’s a topic for another day. That just leaves the 5, which is where Jaren Jackson comes in.

The Suns have been picking in the lottery for what feels like quite some time, but it’s only been 7 years, which isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things. I’m not sure Jay Triano is the guy to take them to the next level, but whether it’s him at the helm next season or someone else, here’s something to get excited about: replacing Chandler with JAREN Jackson.

While JAREN Jackson is just 18, he’s already shown he has a nice three point touch (44.3%), which is leaps and bounds better than any of the top big men prospects:

  • Bamba – 28.3%
  • Bagley – 35.3%
  • Ayton – 34.5%

While any of the above players could develop into a better three point shooter than Jackson, I’m willing to bet on the player that’s already shown (startling) consistency. Paired with Booker’s 3-point marksmanship, Payton’s improving deep ball, and Warren and JOSH Jackson’s scoring ability, JAREN Jackson would be a luxury for this young Suns squad.

Run wild, kids.