HoopsHype Ranks Suns' Deandre Ayton as Top Five Center
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Even after being paid, the debate on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton marches on.
Ayton saw an offer sheet to the tune of four years, $133 million awarded to him from the Indiana Pacers. Before the Pacers could even pop some champagne, the Suns had matched, ensuring he remains in the Valley until at least Jan. 15 of next year.
When you talk to Phoenix fans, you're sure to find a 50/50 split of opinions on Ayton.
Some believe he won't reach the ceiling many believed he had when the team drafted him with the first overall pick just a few years ago, while others insist he can fulfill his destiny if given the opportunity and time.
The Suns appear willing to work with him more marching forward despite a shaky end to the postseason, and given his talent/athleticism at center, it's understandable.
HoopsHype recently released their top center rankings, and Ayton found himself near the top of the totem pole.
Ayton Ranks at No. 5 in HoopsHype Center List
Nikola Jokic topped the list, with Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo and Rudy Gobert placing above Ayton.
Here's what Frank Urbina offered on Ayton's position:
"With the drama surrounding his long-term future now settled, Deandre Ayton is in line for another big season in 2021-22 where he’ll be tasked not just with helping the Phoenix Suns repeat their regular-season success but to get even further in the playoffs after their disappointing second-round exit last year," said Urbina.
"Ayton hasn’t quite hit All-Star level yet, but he has shown why Phoenix found him worthy of the No. 1 pick back in 2018.
"In 2021-22, Ayton averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 63.4 percent from the floor. Ayton does the bulk of his work in the low post and mid-post, where his feathery soft touch allows him to be one of the league’s more adept finishers nearer the basket, but he’s also shown flashes as a shooter, both from the midrange and beyond the arc.
"His issues with consistency still need some sorting out, as when he’s on, Ayton makes a huge impact on both ends of the floor but when he’s off, he can get played off the floor, which happened in the playoffs last year.
"But he’s so talented and productive as is that Ayton is still one of the NBA’s best centers as is. And with Chris Paul and Devin Booker there to continue to feed him opportunities, it should be another big season for Ayton in 2022-23."
Ayton finished above Jarrett Allen and Domantas Sabonis.
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