Since the calendar turned to February, the Phoenix Suns have seen a different side of their young superstar. Has he taken the next step, or is this just a shooting streak?
Over the last year, Deandre Ayton has undoubtedly improved and made some strides. In his fifth NBA season after being selected first out of the University of Arizona, Ayton is averaging a career-high 18.7 points and is on pace to get to a career-high 41 double-doubles. However, since the calendar turned to February, Ayton has been at a different level, and we have to ask, has he taken a big step, or is this just a hot shooting stretch?
Ayton has been the center the Suns need in February
The Suns have played eight games in February, and Deandre Ayton has been playing at a different level during most of those games, averaging 24 points per game. A big reason for that, more than five points-per-game increase in scoring, has been his shooting, which has been torrid.
Ayton is shooting 70.9% from the field for the month, making 10.4 field goals per game, more than any other center. On the season, Ayton is shooting just under 60% and is making eight buckets per game. Thus the simple explanation is that Deandre is just shooting well, and this period of improved scoring will pass.
We could believe that to be true and expect Ayton to regress to his mean. However, there are a few reasons to believe at least some of this growth from Ayton is more permanent than less.
Reasons to think Ayton has taken a step
If we look over the last 15 games, which essentially doubles his February total – and is all NBA stats allow – Ayton’s numbers are not all that different.
Over the last 15 games, Ayton is averaging 23.3 points per contest, and while his points have remained up, his shooting has not. Over those same 15 games, Ayton is shooting 62% from the field but still making ten baskets per game because he is getting more attempts. Further, during the last 15 games, Ayton has averaged 4.5 free throw attempts per game, up almost 1.5 per game over this season’s average of 3.1.
With his attempts and makes-up from both the field and the free throw line, it should not be surprising that Ayton’s scoring has jumped to go with it, given his efficiency level. This longer stretch and continued production show that Ayton’s February scoring jump is due to a commitment to getting attempts from the field and the line, not just improved shooting.
Some might think that Ayton’s attempts will go down with KD now in the fold. However, Phoenix lost 24.3 shots per game, with Mikal bridges and Cam Johnson leaving. Kevin Durant and his 18.8 attempts per game are not that much to absorb, and ultimately, Ayton should still get his looks, especially in favorable matchups.
Has Ayton turned the corner and taken the next step? Evidence shows he may have; the next few months will tell us if this is just another false dawn or if Ayton has become the center the Suns need.