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.