Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking every first overall pick in NBA history

By Christopher Jeter

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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30. 2018: DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Obviously, it’s impossible to guess where Ayton will ultimately end up since he hasn’t even finished his rookie season yet, but he looks like he will be a very good big man for years to come.

The Suns took Ayton first overall in the 2018 draft, presumably under the impression that he was the surer thing compared to Euroleague wunderkind Luka Doncic and others. While Doncic has wowed doubters and vindicated analysts who pegged him as the next big thing, Ayton has also proven himself worthy of his draft spot, albeit as a member of one of the NBA’s resident doormats.

Through 32 games, Ayton is averaging 16.0 points and 10.4 rebounds with a 61.4 true shooting percentage and a 20.6 PER. He and Devin Booker appear to be strong foundational pieces for the next good Suns team. Now watch them find a way to screw it up.