PHOENIX (AP) The Phoenix Suns selected small forward Josh Jackson of Kansas with the fourth overall pick of the NBA draft Thursday.
Jackson brings athleticism, energy and a strong defensive ability to a Suns team already loaded with youthful talent as the franchise continues the long climb to relevance.
The 6-foot-8, 207-pound forward averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Jayhawks. The 20-year-old Jackson was the Big 12 freshman of the year and an all-Big 12 first-team selection.
He fills a need for defense that the Suns have needed. His shooting needs work but he is considered by many observers as the best all-around athlete in the draft.
Jackson plays with an edge to his game, something Phoenix coach Earl Watson loves in his players. Devin Booker does, too, so things could get interesting out on the wing for Phoenix.
Jackson joins an already-young team that came away with two lottery picks last year, thanks to a draft-night trade with Sacramento. The Suns chose then-18-year-old forward Dragan Bender with their pick last year, third overall, then acquired Sacramento’s eighth selection from the Kings and chose 19-year-old forward Marquese Chriss.
Jackson told ESPN after his selection that he can bring ”a lot of versatility” to Phoenix, on offense and defense.
The Suns were not concerned about an off-court incident that Jackson was a part of last December. He was arrested after kicking in the tail light and denting the driver’s door of a Kansas women’s basketball player’s car while she was in it.
He agreed to a diversion program that requires him to go to anger management class and do community service.
The Suns are enduring the longest playoff drought in franchises history. Phoenix hasn’t made it to the postseason the last seven seasons.
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