Does Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton have what it takes to be a great NBA Center?

Deandre Ayton has been a cornerstone in the Phoenix Suns’ recent postseason Sucess. However, he has not been placed in the limelight. This is primarily due to Chris Paul and Devin Booker. They both are absolutely sensational on the court and stun the audience. Deandre Ayton has shown flashes of brilliance in this regular season and post-season. However, it remains to be seen whether he can sustain it.

We can delve into the personal life, childhood, and upbringing of Ayton. However, this is irrelevant to his legacy. Ayton is 6’11 and 22 years old. He entered the league at the same time Luka Doncic and Trae Young did. Additionally,  Deandre Ayton was the first pick in the draft. This set high expectations and standards on his shoulders. He has finally silenced the majority of his critics in this postseason. 

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How has Deandre Ayton done so far?

Ayton was arguably one of the greatest factors that allowed the Phoenix Suns to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers relied greatly on their size and presence in the paint. Deandre and the Suns were able to contain the Lakers on the defensive end while Chris Paul and Devin Booker were more offense focal points. 

Ayton has averaged 17 points on 70% shooting from the field in his first postseason. Additionally, he also averages more than 10 rebounds a game and half a block. However, the important thing to note is the skillset he brings to the Phoenix Suns. Most of these skills do not translate to the stat sheet and are hidden.

The Phoenix Suns, just like any modern NBA team engage in high and low pick and roll. This means they rely on the big man to set the screen for the handler and then run to the rim or make a play. This creates a mismatch, as stopping a big man running at the rim, requires effort and skill. Ayton is surprisingly fast for his frame size. He engages in the pick and roll with both Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Cp3 is arguably one of the best passers in the league. He can utilize the screen and thread a perfect pass to Ayton who can rim run. Ayton also has superb jumping and athletic ability along with a growing shooting game. However, his durability is still in question as well as consistency over time.

When it is all said and done it will be revealed. However, Ayton is speaking loud and clear right now and the world hears him.

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