Deandre Ayton proving worthy of #1 pick for Phoenix Suns

With his rookie season now in the books, Deandre Ayton is proving himself worthy of being the #1 pick for the Phoenix Suns.

With 14% odds at landing another number one overall pick, what are the odds that the Phoenix Suns nail back-to-back top picks?  Notorious at wasting their first round picks throughout the years, the Suns have finally seemed to get things right when selecting their young core.

It’s important that Suns fans realize the promise the current roster holds.  Undoubtedly the most valuable asset the team holds behind Devin Booker, last year’s top selection Deandre Ayton is quickly making himself heard around the league.

His work ethic, attention to detail, uplifting personality and skill set is not only putting him on track to be a top big man in the league, but one of the best players period.  In a position-less NBA, finding a franchise center is hard to come by.  No matter what Luka Doncic continues to do in Dallas, fans of the Suns should understand that the franchise got this pick right.

The only complaint about Ayton I have after his rookie season, is that he did not touch the ball enough.  In 71 games (70 games started), Deandre managed to average over 16 points on 59% shooting (highest percentage by a rookie averaging a double-double in NBA history).

He compiled that with over 10 rebounds per game.  Over the course of the season, he continued to work on his game.  Showing promise shooting the ball, as well as making serious strides on defense by being able to play around the perimeter (yes, you saw him stop Giannis Antetokounmpo in one-on-one situations) and under the basket against the NBA’s best bigs.

Ayton broke the Suns franchise record for double-doubles by a rookie as he recorded 39 for the season, besting the previous record of 37 held by Alvan Adams.  He led all rookies in rebounds, field goal percentage and dunks.  Ayton was in the top ten for all rookies in points (4th), assists (9th), and steals (8th).

Not many rookies have accomplished what Ayton has.  Part of one of the most talented draft classes in recent years, it’s unfortunate his numbers will not will him to win Rookie of the Year.  According to NBA.com, Ayton is the 12th rookie since the lottery era to average at least 15 and 10.  10 of those 12 won ROY.

As the season progressed, we saw the Suns best lineup bring out the most in him.  Tyler Johnson, Booker, Kelly Oubre, Mikal Bridges and Ayton on the floor together outscored opponents 131-101, and shot 50% from the field (according to NBA.com).

In one season, Ayton has already entered Phoenix Suns and NBA history books, and there’s no debating he will continue to do so moving forward. His best game this season saw him put up 33 points (16-20 FG), 14 rebounds, and 4 steals.  10 of those rebounds came on the offensive end.

Imagine Ayton, with the potential to be a perennial All-Star in a league that does not have many bodies like his, with an effective point guard in a system where getting him the ball is prioritized.

Ayton acknowledged the difficulties of his rookie season, but is keen on coming back stronger after the off-season.  He has always been very aware of the positivity surrounding the Suns young core and will continue to grow his game over the summer.

He was hanging around with the league’s best after one season. It’ll be scary to see how he impacts the game moving forward if all goes according to plan in Phoenix.