Could Peter Jok Make The Phoenix Suns Roster After Davon Reed Injury?

Earlier this week, the Phoenix Suns started the process of building their training camp roster by acquiring former Iowa guard Peter Jok to a partially-guaranteed deal. In a move that was first reported by Des Moines Register’s Chad Leistikow, Jok will be one of the twenty players that will be in Phoenix when the Suns’ training camp begins next month. According to that same source, he reportedly chose the Suns over offers from three other NBA organizations.

That wide-ranging interest was definitely warranted as Jok really shined during his time at the University of Iowa. His best play came during his senior season where he put up 19.9 points, 2.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds on 43% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc on 6.9 perimeter attempts per game.

As evident from those numbers, Jok is a great perimeter shooter, that can work off-the-dribble or catch-and-shoot. His ability to combine perimeter volume with efficiency was a learned trait as he shot 34% from beyond the arc on just 3.1 perimeter attempts just two years prior during his sophomore season.

Coinciding with a strong perimeter touch, Jok has also shown flashes of being able to score in a variety of different ways that include: mid-range shooting, on-ball driving and the occasional post-up. While traits aren’t utilized at the same rate as his perimeter shooting, it does show that he can be a balanced offensive weapon.

Despite his status as a great offensive weapon with a deadly perimeter shot, it was thought that signed the deal with the thought that he’d likely make his way to the Northern Arizona Suns, their G League affiliate. While there was a chance that he’d make the roster, it seemed dim as the Suns already had Devin Booker, Davon Reed, TJ Warren and Elijah Millsap that can work as shooting guard. Meanwhile, Josh Jackson and Derrick Jones are also there to help out on the wing.

However, that prior doubt turned into a real possibility on Friday morning when the Suns announced that rookie guard Davon Reed underwent a meniscus repair on his left knee. Reed isn’t expected to return to full basketball activity in around 4-6 months which means that he won’t be able to play until late December, at the earliest. This continues the team’s bad injury luck as veteran Suns guard Brandon Knight will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL.

In response to this injury, there’s definitely a chance that the Suns could decide to sign a veteran that can immediately step in and get minutes on the Suns roster. Some potential names include Anthony Morrow, Jarrett Jack or even former Suns prospect Archie Goodwin. Although those players could bring a temporary boost, it might not make sense as the Suns are a rebuilding team that will probably be one of the worst teams in a competitive Western Conference. So rather than getting someone experienced, the Suns could bring in an unproven prospect to add to their intriguing young core. There’s a good possibility that’s Peter Jok.

In terms of making the final roster, Jok will have to eclipse Elijah Millsap as they remain the lone guards on the team without guaranteed deals. From the jump, Millsap might stand as the favorite due to his experience within the team’s organization as a member of the Northern Arizona and Phoenix Suns. While not being much of a perimeter shooter, he’s stood as a solid G League scorer due to his ability to drive to the rim and get to the free throw line at a good rate.

That might not be enough for Millsap as Jok definitely seems like a better fit for the Suns. That’s primarily due to him being a much better perimeter shooter, which stands as a major need for the Suns. Last year, the Suns shot 33% from beyond the arc, which put them 27th in the NBA in three-point percentage. The addition of Jok could put a small band-aid on that issue as he stood as one of the better perimeter shooters in college basketball during his time at Iowa. Although it may take some time for him to get used to the NBA 3-point line, Jok could be a solid temporary asset as the team waits for Reed to recovery from his injury.

Of course, a lot can change between now and when training camp concludes in October. However, it seems like there’s definitely a good chance that we’ll see Peter Jok in a Phoenix Suns jersey when the NBA season tips off.