Valley of the Suns
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Deandre Ayton helps the Phoenix Suns win

By Dan Volpone

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 1: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Sacramento Kings during a pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 1: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Sacramento Kings during a pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Before even playing an NBA game, Deandre Ayton’s ability to help the team win was questioned. He certainly helped the Phoenix Suns last night.

Deandre Ayton received a lot of strange criticism around the time of the NBA Draft. Clearly the Phoenix Suns front office thought little of it, as they made Ayton their first pick. But the criticism continued even after the draft, and Ayton’s unimpressive Summer League didn’t cause it to subside.

The criticism was that Ayton’s play doesn’t contribute to winning basketball – that he won’t help the Suns win games. Other than being a strange criticism to give to a 20 year old stud who has never played with NBA talent, it’s also undefinable.

Ayton is a strong offensive player, so that part wouldn’t make sense. Instead the criticism seems to be about Ayton’s defense. But in his first preseason game, Ayton most certainly contributed to his team’s goal of getting a win.

In 30 minutes, he lead the team in scoring and rebounds, with 24 and 9 respectively. He did a good job of getting to the line, going 6-8 from the stripe, and he was efficient enough from the field, shooting 9-16. He also tacked on an assist.

On the defensive end, Ayton was what Phoenix Suns fans hoped he would be and doubters thought he couldn’t be. He blocked three shots and had a steal. Unfairly criticized for his low block percentage in Arizona’s zone defense, Ayton proved that he can be a capable defender, at least in this game.

Sure, it’s just one game in the preseason. All the typical one-game, preseason qualifiers still apply. But based on Ayton’s play from last night, there’s no reason to think his play won’t be helpful to the team. His offense, defense, and rebounding were all at an All-Star level on Monday night. If he can play like that at least once in a while, his rookie year will be a major success.

Deandre Ayton had the kind of debut the Phoenix Suns wanted. dark. Next

Ayton seemed to already have chemistry built with Josh Jackson, a critical path to success for this Phoenix Suns team. Oh, and one more stat. The team may have lost a close one, but Ayton was a plus one on the night. So at least in this game, Ayton contributed to winning basketball.

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