The Phoenix Suns came away one of the most satisfied teams in the 2017 NBA Draft with the selection of former Kansas swingman Josh Jackson at the fourth overall pick.
Since then, there has been much chatter about Jackson's unwillingness to work out with the Boston Celtics, who wound up taking former Duke forward Jayson Tatum with the third overall pick. During the introductory press conference on Friday for their top draft choice, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough revealed that he influenced Jackson not to go through the workout session with the Celtics.
"We play by the rules, I guess"#Suns GM Ryan McDonough & 4th pick Josh Jackson "elaborate" why he didn't workout for #Celtics. pic.twitter.com/uG5iRcMjX1
— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) June 23, 2017
McDonough: “You guys know my connection to the Boston Celtics and the respect I have for Danny Ainge, but you guys also know how competitive I am, and it is a competition. The process is what it is, and we played by the rules, I guess. I'm just thrilled Josh Jackson is sitting next to me and is a member of the Phoenix Suns.”
Jackson: “The decision to not work out for the Celtics for kind of last minute. I actually did have a workout planned for them, but it just didn't work out. Then we tried to reschedule with them. It was just bad rescheduling and bad time, so it really didn't work out. If I could have, I probably would have worked out for them, but I'm glad to be a Phoenix Suns and I'm glad to be here. I feel like everything worked out for the best yesterday. “
With the top two choices for the draft becoming quite clear after the Philadelphia 76ers moved up to the first overall pick, the Suns positioned themselves in the best fashion possible to land Jackson. It may come off as foul play to some, but it is ultimately up to him to decide where he wants to work out.
The Celtics could have still selected Jackson if they really wanted him but went in another direction. The blame can't be put on the Suns for influencing the draft process for Jackson enough to force his way to Phoenix. Jackson did indicate on Friday that he would have taken an individual workout session with the Celtics but it didn't work out.
Depending on how things shape up over the next few season, it could be looked back upon as a franchise-changing move for both teams.
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