NBA: Ranking all 30 starting centers for 2018-19

17. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

It’s rare to see a rookie rank so high on a list like this, but Deandre Ayton‘s job should be pretty simple in 2018-19: Use your size and chiseled frame to push opposing bigs around.

The Phoenix Suns are the league’s reigning worst defense, which is an area of concern for Ayton, particularly against smaller lineups. However, the Suns won’t be competing for a playoff spot as currently constructed, which not only means heightened minutes for the No. 1 overall pick, but the opportunity to put up big numbers.

That doesn’t mean he’ll prove himself as a defensive anchor by any stretch, but that end of the floor won’t be a monumental concern in a developmental year for the whole franchise. He’ll be a monster in pick-and-roll situations, as a rim-runner, spreading the floor and on the offensive glass. Ayton may be a flawed top prospect, but he has a very real chance to put up 15 and 10 in his first year in the league.