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Phoenix Suns: Drafting Deandre Ayton makes Marquese Chriss expendable

By Lucas Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 8: Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns looks on in the locker room prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 8: Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns looks on in the locker room prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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If the Phoenix Suns decide to draft center Deandre Ayton, it will make another lottery big man the franchise selected expendable.

Drafting Deandre Ayton first overall in the NBA draft could have a major roster ramification for the Phoenix Suns. Selecting the center would surely solidify the position for the franchise moving forward. However, selecting Ayton would also mean that head coach Igor Kokoskov would be given the task of developing three young big men. Ayton looks the part of being a franchise big man, while the Suns other two young big men in Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender have more questions than most fans would like. Between the two former lottery picks, Chriss’ long term future becomes very unclear if the team drafts Ayton.

Ayton fits much better with Bender on the floor versus Chriss. While both Chriss and Bender can hit 3-point shots, Bender proved to be the better shooter this past season shooting a career high 36.6 percentage from downtown, which is much better than Chriss’ career low of 29.5 percent from behind the 3-point line this past season. While Ayton can also stretch the floor, he does most of his damage inside the arc and Bender would allow Ayton more room to work inside.

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While Bender isn’t the shot blocker Chriss is, having Bender next to Ayton would make more sense defensively for the Suns. Both Bender and Ayton are measured at 7-foot-1, which means if they play together then they would be one of the tallest and longest front courts in the NBA. Even though Bender isn’t a shot blocker, his height and length aren’t something that shouldn’t be undervalued. Bender’s ability to switch on defense has value next to Ayton. This isn’t to say that Chriss who stands at 6-foot-10 wouldn’t be nice defensively next to Ayton as well, but there is more potential on defense with Bender and Ayton due to their size.

Off the court issues have been a problem for Chriss while they haven’t been for Bender. Chriss wasn’t in shape to begin this past regular season and he got suspended for his outburst against an assistant coach. While Chriss could be just going through growing pains, it’s not something the Suns should want around Ayton.

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Selecting Ayton makes Chriss expendable both on and off the court for several reasons. Having Chriss coming off the bench could be a strong option for the Phoenix Suns to consider. However, Chriss’ lack of growth and off the court issues makes it easier for the Suns to move him as part of a deal if the franchise selects Ayton. Moving on from Chriss would mean that the franchise had given up on a player it drafted 8th overall just two years ago, which isn’t a good look for general manager Ryan McDonough.

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