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NBA: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NBA Draft

By Corey Rausch

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (C) poses with NBA Draft Prospects Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic before the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (C) poses with NBA Draft Prospects Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic before the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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NBA draft (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA draft (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2018 NBA draft: Re-grading Pick Number 1. Deandre Ayton: B+

Ignore the fact that the Phoenix Suns dropped four games in a row to end the NBA Finals. Deandre Ayton took a major leap this season and showed that while he may not end up being the best player in the draft overall, the fit with the Suns in their current iteration was well worth the number one overall pick.

Ayton had the type of playoff run that hammers home faith in the top overall selection. Over 22 games he averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. The greatest highlight came in Game One of the Finals when he posted a line of 22 points and 19 rebounds.

The Suns’ unfortunate dismissal by the Bucks does not change that the young core is coming together, and Ayton is a large part of that. He has grown substantially from partnering with Chris Paul in the pick-and-roll. His defense is progressing.

Most important is his willingness to grow within his role. Most top picks want to be the guy, but for Ayton, his team and winning are far more important. He does not earn an A to this point because two of his fellow top five picks are already All-Stars, but he is not far behind the pack.

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