Age: 19 (7/23/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 250 pounds, 7’5″
Slash Line: .612/.343/.733
Season Averages: 33.5 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.4 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 1.9 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 3PM
Whether or not you believe Deandre Ayton is the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2018 NBA Draft, he’s the best option for the Phoenix Suns. A high-low or low-high balance will work in every era, and combining the efforts of Ayton and Devin Booker could save the Suns.
Ayton is a unique talent and an overwhelmingly promising prospect who could realistically go down as the best player to emerge from this draft class.
Ayton has a Dwight Howard build and may even rival the former Orlando Magic superstar’s athleticism. While he’s nowhere near the defender that Howard went on to become, Ayton has a far more advanced offensive game at this stage of his development.
Ayton has a midrange game that must be respected, as well as developing three-point range and the ability to post up smaller defenders with efficiency.
Ayton is also an elite rebounder who ranked No. 16 in the nation in defensive rebound percentage and No. 40 in offensive rebound percentage. That should appeal to a Suns team that was No. 23 in both rebound differential and second chance points allowed per game.
The Suns need a big who can score inside, dominate the boards, and work the pick and roll. Ayton checks every one of those boxes and then some.
Knicks Note: If the New York Knicks secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, then Ayton would likely be at the top of their list.