Phoenix Suns: 2018 NBA Draft grades
No. 1: Deandre Ayton, Arizona
Deandre Ayton was reportedly informed he’d be the No. 1 pick weeks ago, which came as a surprise to no one in attendance at his pre-draft workout in Phoenix that felt more like a zoo and carried an air of inevitability with it. Ayton said he “knew” he was going first back then, that he wasn’t working out for any other team and McDonough was visibly blown away from a 1-on-0 workout he called the best he’s ever seen on draft night.
The Suns might have missed on the best player in the draft in Luka Doncic, but they got one with a ceiling just as high who can contribute from day one. At worst, he’s a regular 20-10 threat. At best, he’s a two-way force that will help push Phoenix back into the contender category in a few years.
The key concern here is the defensive end, where Ayton was often lost either as a result of not putting in the effort/focus or simply not knowing where to be on that end. His steal and block numbers were low for a 7’1″, 250-pound beast with elite athleticism and quick feet, but the good news is he largely played out of position at U of A as a 4, and he has the physical tools to at least be passable on that end.
Deandre Ayton is big and strong as an ox, has quick feet, he's going to do damage offensively. At least the Suns will be losing 132-124 instead of 132-110 this year.
— I Always Keep A Can Of Tuna On Me (@SnottieDrippen) June 21, 2018
He’ll probably never be a defensive anchor — as Joel Embiid was quick to point out — but if he can hold his own on that end, the Suns will be getting someone who can shoulder some of the offensive burden Devin Booker has carried to this point. After all, his 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 assists per game on 61.2 percent shooting in college is nothing to sneeze at.
The “Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant 2.0″ comparisons are a bit premature, because those two actually played defense, but Ayton projects to have NBA 3-point range, is a rim-running threat, and is a physical specimen who can bang bodies down low with anyone from day one.
Doncic would’ve been the more forward-thinking pick, but Ayton should be great too. With his size, strength, skill-set and yes, the Arizona Wildcats connection that will bring local fans out to more Suns games, it’s hard to fault Phoenix for going in this unsurprising direction.
Grade: A-