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NBA Week 12 Power Rankings: Questions for each team after the break

By Corey Rausch

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center on January 05, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Jazz 130-96. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center on January 05, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Jazz 130-96. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns. 5. team. 66. . 25-12. Previous: 3rd

Last Week: Beat Portland Trail Blazers 127-121, Lost to Indiana Pacers 122-111

This Week: 3/15 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 3/18 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 3/19 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Question: What are realistic expectations for Deandre Ayton the rest of the season?

The Phoenix Suns have catapulted almost to the top of the standings and are playing at an elite level on both sides of the ball. Chris Paul and Devin Booker were named All-Stars. Mikal Bridges is finally getting notoriety for being awesome. So, is there anything not to like about their season so far?

Other than so-far missing on their first-round pick to date (sorry Jalen Smith), the inconsistencies of Deandre Ayton’s play on a nightly basis have been concerning. He is averaging a career low in points per game (14.4) and has seen his production dip in rebounds (11.2 per game), assists (1.6 per game), blocks (1.1 per game) and steals (0.4 per game).

While the Suns are playing great defense, Ayton has left something to be desired on that end too. He has just the second lowest rating on the team, ahead of only Devin Booker. He currently ranks 83rd in the league in the stat among players who have played at least 25 minutes per game, in the realm of the likes of Cole Anthony, Joe Harris and Elfrid Payton. If the Suns are going to truly compete to get out of the conference they will need Ayton to play to his offensive standards from a season ago while continuing to fit in at a minimum on defense.