DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
Strengths:
Ayton fits that developing, athletic stretch five role. Similar to Dragan Bender, he can space the floor and knock down the occasional three. Unlike Bender, Ayton is capable of putting in work down low. He has a collection of post moves that can get his team a bucket if needed. DeAndre Ayton is also a terrific rebounder (at 7 foot he really should be) and has great mobility.
Weaknesses:
Ayton is still a little raw on the defensive end. He has terrific length, but looks stiff at times. Some scouts have also questioned his motor, wondering if he will be able to dominate in college and the NBA like he did in high school and AAU. This upcoming season at Arizona will be a great test to see just how bright his NBA prospects really are.
Fit:
It’s simple. The Suns need a center, DeAndre Ayton is a center. Boom. Imagine a big man rotation of Marquese Chriss, DeAndre Ayton and Dragan Bender. Those three can light it up from deep, pass and shut down opposing offenses with their mobility. Coach Earl Watson will be salivating if he gets the chance to insert Ayton into the rotation in 2018.