Phoenix Suns: Setting goals for every rotation player

Deandre Ayton

Goal: Become more assertive on both ends

Deandre Ayton’s 2019-20 season was, in an unfortunate way, slightly disappointing. Because of his 25-game suspension, regardless of if deserved it or not, Ayton missed tons of time needed time. He was impressive when he did play, but we wanted to see more of him, especially considering how he was likely to have a needed breakout season.

After being selected with the No. 1 pick in 2018, Ayton has become underrated of sorts, with Luka Doncic and Trae Young already making their superstar leaps, Ayton certainly isn’t as talked about in comparison to those two juggernauts of the draft.

It simply just comes down to Ayton not being the superstar that Doncic and Young are, yet, and it’s mostly because of lack of opportunity and obviously that big suspension. Ayton isn’t a perfect player, but he’s solid at what he does, and that’s what makes him a Top-10 center in the NBA.

One goal Ayton can set for himself is to become more assertive both offensively and defensively. He needs to develop into more than a shot-blocker and into a versatile paint defender. Offensively, Ayton sometimes lacks confidence while taking the ball into the paint, which can be his downfall at times. Ayton needs to assert himself, and it only helps him with his 6’11”, 250-pound frame, which was perfect for the NBA from when he got drafted.