Phoenix Suns: Time for Deandre Ayton to prove NBA executives wrong

It’s a big season for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, charged with the responsibility of performing under the weight of a new four-year, $133 million contract. More than that though, the Suns are relying on significant individual growth from the 24-year-old.

Taken with the number one overall pick in 2018, Ayton has shown gradual improvement across his four years in the league. But with the financial investment now stemming as an extra factor, the time is now for the Bahamian to take a significant step.

A poll of NBA executives has confirmed that Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton isn’t yet a member of the league’s elite young talent.

HoopsHype have run a poll of 15 NBA executives, asking them to rank their top five players under the age of 25. With Devin Booker just missing the age bracket, Ayton was left as the Suns prime candidate to receive votes.

Unfortunately but ultimately unsurprisingly, Ayton did not receive a vote from any executive. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic received the maximum percentage of votes possible, with the Slovenian followed by Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant, Evan Mobley and Anthony Edwards to round out the top five.

Towards the end of the 14-player list was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton. If this group represents the elite tier of young stars in the league, then Ayton must consider himself in a shortlist of players knocking on the door to enter.

To be fair, it’s always going to be difficult for Ayton to make a list like this. This group constitutes 14 players who are viewed as the centerpiece of their franchise. That isn’t the case for Ayton, with Booker clearly holding that mantle.

Regardless, Ayton’s ability to launch himself into the elite tier of young players is imperative for the franchises aspirations to deliver a maiden NBA championship. Without it, Phoenix appear like a good team that may lack the superstar power to be able to bring the ultimate success.