Fantasy Basketball Busts: Deandre Ayton has terrible vibes despite his high floor.
Former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton was a fantasy darling early into his career, showcasing immediate impact as a nightly double-double threat with the skills to expand playmaking and defense over time. Although he’s steadily improved at the core skill set of his game, Ayton hasn’t actually grown all that much as a player. Ayton averaged 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game as a rookie. During his fourth year, he averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks on a nightly basis.
However, Ayton is being drafted as a player with far greater on-court production and a tangible capacity for growth. His offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers was matched by the Phoenix Suns, bringing him back to a team that collapsed in the second round versus Dallas. His media day reactions were uninspiring and his game doesn’t appear to have taken a step forward.
On Yahoo, he’s being selected ahead of players like Zion Williamson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Zach LaVine by average draft position (ADP). You’ll have to pay a premium on the mid-tier centers — usually because people scramble when big names like Jokic, Embiid and KAT are off the board.
However, talent wins and you’re guaranteed to be better off picking the better player than one who fills a position of need that early into a draft.
Average draft position is 37.1 on Yahoo, 50.6 on ESPN.