Phoenix Suns: Who should be part of the long-term core in Phoenix?
By Jono Perilli
Deandre Ayton
With the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton, their long-term product out of Arizona. Looking back on it, the Phoenix Suns certainly made the best decision to draft Ayton, even if those Instagram commenters tell you that Luka Doncic should’ve been #1.
Ayton has everything that the Suns need, a dominant inside big-man with an impressive ability to rebound at will, score the ball and is a decent defender/shot-blocker too. I won’t lie when I say that Trae Young and Luka Doncic are having better careers at the moment, but Ayton gives that spark to Phoenix.
Deandre Ayton has got it all and is the most logical decision for the Suns’ future.
In 23 games this season, Deandre Ayton has averaged 18.7 points per game, 12.0 rebounds per game as well as 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 53.9 percent from the floor.
Deandre Ayton still has a lot to improve on, mainly his shooting ability. If Ayton can become more well-rounded on offense and defense, I don’t see any reason why he could be a franchise big-man for the Suns.
It is pretty uncertain if Deandre Ayton could morph into a superstar that the Suns are hoping for, but don’t count him out.
I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing Suns fans wearing Ayton jerseys more often as the next few years roll on by.