Valley of the Suns
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Deandre Ayton will lead the resurgence of the center position

By Dan Volpone

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the Phoenix Suns get set to draft a true center, the NBA Finals is being played without one. But Deandre Ayton can help make the position relevant again.

Watching the NBA Finals, one thing is clear: it’s not a big man game. Just take a look at the difference makers.

LeBron James carries the Cavaliers offense with his drives to the hole. Kevin Love and Kyle Korver both are reliable three-point options. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant break down a defense with their off-ball movement and shot making ability.

Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala are both lockdown perimeter defenders. While Green has the ability to defend inside and block shots from the weak side, it’s certainly not his main defensive focus. 

And that’s it. Out of every player on either roster to ever play in an All-Star game, none specializes in scoring and defending down low. It’s just further proof of what we already know: the center position has declined in importance, with an increased emphasis on three-point shooters.

Enter Deandre Ayton.

He projects the ability to dominate the pick and roll game between his improving jumper and his knack for scoring down low. He’ll also be an option in post ups and face ups, especially when the Suns settle down in the half court.

While his rim protection was lacking in college, he has the height, wingspan, and leaping ability to become an elite NBA shot blocker. And with his lateral quickness, he should avoid becoming a liability on switches.

Right now, there isn’t an elite big man carrying a team through the NBA Playoffs. Maybe it’s because there’s a lack of talent at the center position. Or maybe the issue goes deeper, and the center position really does carry less importance.

In the case of the latter, drafting Deandre Ayton would be a mistake. But I lean towards the former, and I think Ayton can be a huge part of the resurgence of NBA big men.

If Ayton puts in the work, he has the skill set and size to become a top-tier rim protector, crucial for any team looking to play aggressive defense out top. And while he’s not a great passer, he’s still a reliable option in the post because he can be counted on for a bucket inside.

Key elements of Ayton’s game also make him well suited for the modern NBA, namely his shot and his ability to switch onto guards without being a disaster. All of these strengths are why Ayton, a center in a guard’s league, is going to be the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

And Ayton isn’t alone. Karl-Anthony Towns is (probably) the future of the Timberwolves, and out in the Eastern Conference, Joel Embiid is the heart and soul of the Sixers. Deandre Ayton could be the guy that lets the Phoenix Suns hang with the NBA’s other young teams on the come up.

The Suns already have an elite scorer at guard in Devin Booker and a hard-nosed defender on the wing in Josh Jackson. And after the draft, they’ll be home to one of the league’s brightest young big men.

Next: DeAndre Ayton means that the Suns are part of a new wave

Ayton’s fit might not be obvious watching these finals, but make no mistake about it: the center position will be making a comeback, and Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns will be a huge part of its revival.

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