Deandre Ayton was the right pick for the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns’ fanbase has been feeling draft regret watching Luka Doncic turn into what looks to be a generational superstar, however, Deandre Ayton was the right pick.

Back in 2018, for the first time in franchise history, the Phoenix Suns received the #1 pick in the NBA draft. Before playing a single game, the Suns received criticism for selecting Ayton over Luka Doncic. Only halfway through his sophomore season, it is clear that the Suns made the right choice.

With two of the best centers in Suns recent history being Tyson Chandler, and past-his-prime Shaquille O’Neal, finding a franchise cornerstone at the center position was huge for Phoenix. Pairing Ayton next to Booker was a smart move by the Suns. Agreeing, Ayton told CBS Radio, “Honestly, I could see myself in Phoenix. I could see a little Shaq and Kobe 2.0.”

When the Suns drafted in 2018, they had a choice: draft for fit or draft the best player available. I assume not knowing what position Doncic would play in the NBA factored into this decision. Moreover, Ayton was the popular choice amongst Suns players. With the rotation at center being Tyson Chandler and Alex Len the previous three seasons, adding a potential All-Star caliber center was a huge upgrade.

Opening night 2018, the Phoenix Suns faced the Dallas Mavericks and Ayton showed out, posting 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in a huge 21-point win.

Deandre went on to have an incredible rookie season, averaging 16.3 points per game, and 10.3 rebounds, on a historic 58.5% from the field, which is the highest field goal percentage in NBA history by a rookie averaging a double-double. That is a higher mark than Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Ayton also led all rookies in rebounding and was 4th in points per game. Ayton made the NBA All-Rookie 1st team, becoming the first player on the Suns to make it since Devin Booker in 2016.

Ayton showed no signs of slowing down during this season’s home opener, netting 18 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high four blocks. The next day, the NBA suspended Ayton 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy and all momentum stopped.

When he returned against the LA Clippers, Ayton had 18 points and 12 rebounds, but more bad news surfaced. Ayton suffered a sprained ankle and would missed the following five games. Since returning from injury, Ayton is averaging 18.8 points per game, 12 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 53.8% shooting.

Ayton has proved himself to be the right pick this season, from a career-high 21 rebounds against the New York Knicks, to a 28 point,19 rebound performance against the Denver Nuggets. Deandre has been effective in every game he has played in his season, especially on the defensive end.

Ayton, who may not be the best player from the 2018 draft, was definitely the right pick for this Suns team and will fit perfectly next to franchise player, Devin Booker, for years to come.