Phoenix Suns: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 Media Day
3. Defense is the focus for Ayton
At 7’1″ and 250 pounds, Deandre Ayton‘s physique is already primed for the NBA game. His ability to command double-teams down low, his prowess as a rebounder and his rare touch are all part of what made him the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
However, heading into Ayton’s first season, coach Igor Kokoskov is trying to ingrain defense into the rookie’s brain.
"“[Kokoskov] always brings up Rudy Gobert, how he protects the rim, how he really sets the tone of the game and changes the momentum of the game on the defensive end,” Ayton said. “In practice he’s always on me about it, about always getting back and talking, being the general, being my guards’ eyes.”"
Pretty much every team in the NBA preaches the importance of defense on Media Day, but this felt different. Kokoskov referenced offensive and defensive ratings, and was fully cognizant of how Phoenix finished dead-last in both categories. McDonough directly acknowledged that there will be a learning curve with the big man, and opponents will likely target him on that end of the floor.
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He, Kokoskov, Ayton and pretty much everyone else on the roster seem to be aware of his importance as a future defensive anchor, and what happens if he never gets there.
"“I want him to dominate on both ends,” Tyson Chandler said."
Though Ayton averaged 1.9 blocks and 0.6 steals per game at the University of Arizona, as well as 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in NBA Summer League, his defensive metrics were surprisingly low for someone of his size, speed and length.
To be fair, the seven-footer spent a good amount of time at the 4 in college, matching up against quicker players in small-ball lineups that exposed him and the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament. Now he’ll get the chance to focus on protecting the rim, only foraying out onto the perimeter when absolutely necessary.
"“Offense is gonna come, because he has so many tools that we can use when it comes to the soft touch and finishing around the basket,” Kokoskov said. “But he should take it really, really personal and take some pride in that and be one of the best defensive anchors — especially the way the game is played right now.”"
Ayton will be a walking 20-10 guy in his prime, but it’s good that the Suns are taking a defense-first approach with their new franchise pillar. If he’s able to establish himself as a reliable interior defender, only then will this core take the next step toward its ceiling.
"“A lot of scouts didn’t really see that in me, protecting the rim because I was always on the perimeter,” Ayton said. “But in my career, for the rest of my life, I will be protecting the rim.”"