John Jenkins averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 assists in two starts for Phoenix last year.
With Suns training camp just a month and a half away, John Jenkins has set his focus squarely on capturing a roster spot.
The fifth-year guard, who Phoenix claimed off waivers from Dallas last February, knows it'll be a challenge to do so in a crowded backcourt, but judging from Jenkins' recent interview withBasketball Insiders, he is certainly up to the task.
The 25-year-old raved about the type of team General Manager Ryan McDonough and Head Coach Earl Watson are building, voicing his desire to remain in Phoenix for as long as possible.
"I love the direction that we’re heading in," Jenkins said. "We’re so hungry. And we have a coach who is really hungry too. The organization as a whole just really wants to get back to that level again.
"I had no idea what to expect when Coach Watson became the coach, but I’ve just been so impressed by him. What he’s already started to do has been great, and I think everybody is just going to latch on... We want to make sure that you have to respect Phoenix every time you play us."
Jenkins appeared in 22 games for the Suns a season ago, totaling 5.0 points per game in 13.0 minutes. He made 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers as well. In his two starts with Phoenix, the guard averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 assists.
While training for the 2016-17 campaign, Jenkins watched carefully as the Suns added pieces this offseason through the draft and free agency. The moves only added to his excitement and belief in the organization.
"I thought Ryan and the front office did a fantastic job in everything they did," Jenkins said. "I saw the draft picks in Summer League and they looked great. They’re so young, man. Bender is 18 and Chriss is 19, yet they’re already doing things on the court where you’re like, ‘Okay, they have a chance to be special.’
"As far as the veteran presences, they brought in two guys who are like legends in Phoenix in Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa. They’ve been on the great teams that Phoenix has had, back when they played with Steve Nash and those guys. They know what it takes to win."
One of the reasons Dudley and Barbosa were signed was to help mentor the crop of teenage Suns. Jenkins could help in that realm as well. He previously mentored Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson and Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder.
"He was my guy from the beginning,” Schroder said. “He helped me with everything, basically... The biggest thing was how to be a professional and be a good teammate. I hope he’s going to get his minutes this year because he’s going to kill it [in Phoenix]. He’s family for life.”
