Phoenix Suns New Year’s Resolution: Pay the Player(s)
Show me the money. This Summer, Deandre Ayton’s eligibility for a max-extension became the biggest storyline following the Suns. But as we all know, Phoenix neglected to give Ayton the money he desired, making him the first top pick to go without such a deal since Anthony Bennett.
His postseason play last year should have been enough evidence, but with how the team currently looks minus Ayton, the Suns can no longer ignore the fact that he is vital to Phoenix’s success.
Built around a pick-and-role oriented offense, the Suns utilize Ayton every time they try to score, even if he neglects to even touch the ball. Just by setting high screens and rolling to the cylinder, he opens up shot opportunities for Paul and Booker while keeping other defenders on edge.
When Ayton does look to score though, he makes Phoenix’s offense exciting and efficient, strategically spacing himself around the rim for high percentage finishes. He also stretches the floor a bit with a decent mid range jumper.
But Ayton’s impact at the defensive end became most evident during this stretch without him. Last month, the Suns only gave up more than 60 points in the paint twice—both being from this past week with Ayton absent. Consequently, they lost both those games, the first to the Memphis Grizzlies and then yesterday to the Celtics.
The Suns need their anchor, and only a max contract keeps him around past this year. The front office needs to fork over that money or get used to watching a hollow team take the floor every night.