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
The Phoenix Suns recently hired Igor Kokoškov to fill the vacancy at head coach. In addition to boasting a decade of experience as an NBA assistant coach, Kokoškov was the head coach of the Slovenia men’s national team that won the gold medal at EuroBasket 2017 in Turkey.
One of the stars of Slovenia’s run to the improbable gold medal was Luka Doncic, but that doesn’t mean the Suns are going to make that obvious selection.
Kokoškov was an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns when Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire were wreaking havoc. He was also an assistant coach for Utah Jazz teams that wholeheartedly embraced the importance of big men who can protect the paint and provide value offensively.
While closer to the Stoudemire mold than that of Rudy Gobert, Deandre Ayton would be the perfect selection for Kokoškov as he attempts to rebuild the Suns.
Ayton is a physically dominant player with a modern offensive game and a powerful presence on the boards. He can team with Devin Booker to create the high-low balance that works in every era, and would work well with Elfrid Payton if the goal is to establish the pick and roll.
Ayton is the best pure talent in the 2018 NBA Draft and a perfect fit for a Suns team that desperately needs to achieve stability at the center position.
Knicks Note: The New York Knicks would love to get Deandre Ayton, but the odds of him sliding to No. 9 are astronomical.