Earl Watson calls Josh Jackson’s defense “nasty.”
Earl Watson says all the right things about Josh Jackson. The Suns’ new forward – the fourth pick in Thursday’s NBA draft – is charismatic, deep and authentic.
But it’s how the Suns coach describes Jackson as a defender that gets your attention. “Nasty,” Watson said. Keep this in mind as the Suns continue to grow, one step at a time. It’s a mindset that Watson has tried to instill over the past two seasons. A belief that talent isn’t enough because every team is talented. A belief that it takes something more and that something has to come from within. And at times, it spills over. “Toward the end of last season, we got into a couple scuffles every game,” Watson said. “(With Jackson), I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. But I think fans kind of like to see these young guys fight for a chance to win.”
The Suns on Friday introduced their draft picks to local media. In addition to Jackson, guard Davon Reed – snagged at No. 32 – and Valparaiso forward Alec Peters – taken at 54 – were on hand. Together, they make up the latest members of Project Rebuild.
“Length, toughness and 3-point shooting,” is how Watson summed up their talents.
Length is physical and shooting is skill, but toughness is an attitude. A foundation. And it’s Jackson’s top quality.
Asked who would be the poster child of NBA toughness, Watson first pointed something out. Most tough defenders in the NBA are just that, he said. Specialists. Put them in the corner, and they might be able to knock down a spot-up 3.
Defensively, Watson believes Jackson one day could impact games the way Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) once did and the way Kawhi Leonard does today.
What makes Jackson more Leonard than World Peace, Watson continued, is his offensive potential. Yes, his perimeter jump shot needs work, but Jackson knows how to score and he’s a talented passer.
“I think in the future people are going to say, ‘He’s the next Josh Jackson,’’’ Watson said, referring to the industry’s habit of comparing prospects to established stars.
For his part, Jackson, 20, doesn’t appear overwhelmed at how his life has changed. (He will make $4,241,700 his rookie season). On draft night, he said he looked forward to the challenge of taking on guys like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
On Friday, he talked about building a chemistry similar to the one recently on display in the NBA Finals.
“I remember watching Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green when they were all young,’’ Jackson said of the Golden State Warriors. “They didn’t seem to click as well, but as time went on and they got older, they had just the best team chemistry. And now look at them.” He sees similar potential here. “This team has so much promise,’’ the 6-8 forward said. “I think I fit in pretty well. I’m more than happy to be here, and I can’t wait to see what we do this year.”
The Suns still will be among the NBA’s youngest teams. Approaching his third year, guard Devin Booker won’t turn 21 until October. Forward Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender still are 19. They’ll take their lumps, but management’s hope is they’ll have learned from last year’s experiences.
“Most teams with young players don’t win a lot of games,’’ General Manager Ryan McDonough said. “We get that part of it. But if the guys work hard and grow together and grow on the same timeline, you can turn it pretty quickly and take off pretty quickly.”
With Jackson – a versatile defender – Watson expects improvement.
Years ago, he met Jackson’s mom in Las Vegas years at an Under Armour basketball event. A friend approached Watson and said, “I want to introduce you to the mom of the best player in the country.”
At the time, Watson was at the tail end of his playing career, but from that moment he kept tabs on Jackson, watching him grow at Kansas. And now he has him on his roster. “It’s crazy how it’s come full circle,” Watson said.
Contact Doug Haller at 602-4444949 or at doug.haller@arizona republic.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.