Suns GM James Jones Admits He 'Probably' Would Have Passed on Devin Booker

Jones recently did an interview with ESPN about Phoenix's approach to the NBA Draft.

Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones is about as honest of a front office member as you'll find. 

In sessions with reporters, ever rarely does Jones dodge questions presented to him. He acknowledges some elephants in the room while also remaining neutral to the topic. 

Much like 7-11, he's pretty much always open with his thoughts and feelings on whatever's being discussed. 

That was very much the case when it comes to the Suns' strategy for the NBA Draft. ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz recently compiled an ESPN+ article that used Jones and Phoenix's "unique" approach to the draft by essentially foregoing much of the process of large scouting departments, spending vast amounts of time away from the team and generally using draft picks to equip their squad. 

"Jones readily admits that if another unformed Antetokounmpo is toiling in obscurity in southeastern Europe, the Suns wouldn't give him much of a look," said the article.

"He concedes that rarely does a franchise superstar enter the draft as a plug-and-play talent -- think Dwyane Wade or Stephen Curry -- ready to contribute immediately. He appreciates that it's easier for a team in the Win-Now stage of its life cycle to roll its eyes at the faith other franchises place in the draft. 

"But in Jones' worldview, a franchise should exist in a perpetual state of Win-Now with a combination of ready-made players, be they drafted or undrafted, and the right veterans who can support them."

One of the more interesting quotes that emerged from the story was his honest take on whether or not Jones would have drafted Suns franchise shooter Devin Booker. 

"He even confesses that, had he been at the helm in 2015, he probably would have passed on Booker," said Arnovitz.

"It all depends on what your goal is," Jones says. "Devin is great, but there are 50 skeletons tied to that swing for the star. It wasn't until winning was imported -- Chris, Jae Crowder, drafting a three-year guy who could help right away like Mikal -- that it translated to success. And if you don't import winning around him, there are even more skeletons. So if you want to find the guy with the highest potential to be the future star, then it makes sense to draft him -- if you're willing to navigate the land mines."

Of course this isn't an indictment on Jones' view of the player he was (or became), but rather an honest admission that Booker's profile wouldn't have satisfied the boxes Jones and his team of scouts wanted to check. That's simply the kind of ship Jones runs with Phoenix, and with his recent success in the last two years, it's hard to argue.

Interesting comments aside, it's likely a good thing Jones took over when he did. Booker just might be lighting up the world for another franchise if Jones' timeline was sooner.  

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