Deandre Ayton has been making waves in the NBA since being the first overall pick from the University of Arizona in the 2018 NBA Draft. With his impressive size, shooting touch, and athleticism, Ayton possesses all the skills necessary to excel as a force on both ends of the court. However, as he enters his sixth season in the league, Ayton finds himself at a crucial point in his career. He must maximize his extraordinary potential to truly impact the game and help lead the Phoenix Suns to their first-ever NBA championship.
Ayton has been “Dominayton” with the Bahamas National Team this summer. He could be in for his best season yet with the Suns.
Phoenix Suns Need the Bahamas Version of Deandre Ayton
Playing With Aggressiveness
At seven feet tall with an impressive 7-foot-6 wingspan, Ayton’s stature alone commands attention on the court. However, his ability to blend size with agility makes Ayton an intriguing prospect. His capacity to move and maneuver in the paint, coupled with his wingspan, grants him an advantage that should make him a dominant inside presence. Yet, as some observers note, there needs to be more consistency in how Ayton employs these physical gifts.
Ayton showcases his prowess in spurts by overpowering defenders, snatching rebounds, and converting in the paint. However, he often defaults to finesse moves, such as turnaround jumpers, even when faced with mismatches following pick-and-roll situations. Ayton must utilize his potential to exploit defenders and take the ball to the rim in these instances.
Last season, Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 blocks on efficient 59/29/76 shooting splits. It was a solid year for him. But at the same time, fans and the Suns organization also know he is capable of more.
Playing on the Bahamas National Team this offseason could be the catalyst Ayton needs to help optimize his skill set. As one of the leaders on the court, Ayton is playing with much more confidence and aggressiveness this summer. It’s something Suns fans have been eagerly waiting to see consistently.
Despite the Suns having offensive wizards like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Ayton’s role in the offense is essential. His ability to capitalize on mismatches and navigate single coverage could significantly elevate the Suns’ efficiency. If he can play to a relatively similar level as he has with the Bahamas team, the Suns could have the NBA’s best starting lineup.
Deandre Ayton’s Evolving Skill Set and Future Outlook
Looking beyond the expectations associated with the No. 1 overall pick, it’s evident that Ayton is a formidable center in the league, regardless of draft position.
While his progression might not be as high as some predicted when he first came into the league, Ayton’s made strides in certain aspects of his game. His ability to stretch the floor beyond the arc provides a new dimension to his game. This development aligns with the modern NBA’s big men who can draw defenders away from the paint.
Ayton’s evolution into a genuine three-point threat could disrupt opposing defensive schemes, especially with the Western Conference’s rim protectors. This transformation has the potential to elevate the already potent Suns offense further.
Ayton’s evolving skill set and potential for the future become even more intriguing after watching him with the Bahamas team. He could play an even more prominent role for Phoenix this year. This season will be crucial for Ayton as he looks to solidify his position in the second tier of NBA centers. As he’s showcased this summer with the Bahamas team, Deandre Ayton certainly has the skill set to do so. Now, he must find a way to put it all together in the NBA.
