Top Phoenix Suns storylines to watch for this season

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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: DeAndre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Can Ayton develop as a modern NBA center?

Nobody can deny the talent and physical presence of Deandre Ayton. While he may not fit the mold of a Joel Embiid or Draymond Green, there is no reason to expect Ayton to flunk in today’s NBA.

But for him to prosper and reach his ceiling, there are certain little aspects of Ayton’s game to monitor for him to project as a future star.

One of Ayton’s biggest weaknesses that fall under the radar is his screen setting. With the league running very heavy on pick and roll, having a big man who can block off an opposing defender, create room for the ball handler, and cut strong to the basket is vital.

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Whether it’s a matter of effort or technique, Ayton struggles at that. Improving his screen setting will not only help the ball-handler, but make him more effective as a roller with the defense forced to work harder.

His mid-post and low-post passing must also improve. The modern NBA thrives off of having multiple capable passers on offense, and as a big man, being a capable passer prevents the threat of a stagnant offense.

This problem was evident watching Joel Embiid this season and throughout the playoffs. He was often doubled in the post, and when able to pass out of the double team, he couldn’t find the open man or a shooter on the court to punish the defense’s attention to him.

There were plenty of times though where he was too focused on scoring to recognize the trap until too late, resulting in a turnover or poor shot.

A problem Portland experienced in the playoffs against the Pelicans was when CJ McCollum or Damian Lillard were pressured, they were forced to pass to a roller or open player to prevent a turnover.

Other than those two guards (and maybe Evan Turner), the team was devoid of other passers and that left the offense stagnant, even with a low post presence like Jusuf Nurkic.

Having big men that can make simple, quick passes keeps the defense moving and can open up the Suns offense.

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