Inside The Suns

Phoenix Suns Duo Comes in Clutch to Help Bahamas Reach Olympic Qualifiers

Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon played huge roles in setting the Bahamas up to make its first ever Olympic Games.
Kevin Hicks|
Phoenix Suns Duo Comes in Clutch to Help Bahamas Reach Olympic Qualifiers
Phoenix Suns Duo Comes in Clutch to Help Bahamas Reach Olympic Qualifiers

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Phoenix Suns

Veteran Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is finally embracing a leadership role this summer as the best player on the Bahamian national team, who is currently fighting to make the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

Ayton shined in the four-game sample while playing a traditionally strong (ranked number 4 in the world) Argentinian club twice in the process. The former number one overall pick averaged 22 points and 12.5 rebounds in the two group stage contests. Although he averaged a much more modest nine points and 15 boards in the final two matches, his impact on the defensive end as a rebounder and leader can't be ignored. 

The 6'11" phenom has long been vocal about his love for the Bahamas, the place he considers his first home and the place where much of his family still lives. He even went as far as committing at least six figures to help the Hurricane relief efforts in the country in 2019. 

Many Suns fans hoped that Ayton being not only the best player but also the leader of a team in which he possesses immense passion for would unlock a new gear for the big man, and it appears that has possibly come to fruition. 

This story can't be completed without mentioning a new member of the Suns, however. 

Sixteen-year NBA vet Eric Gordon committed to play for the Bahamas this summer for the first time, joining Ayton and Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield. 

The 34-year old wing had been linked to Phoenix for an entire decade, ever since he signed a four-year, $58 million dollar offer sheet with the franchise in 2012. Gordon finally signed with Phoenix this offseason after the Clippers decided to move on from him for the second time, and this pickup could very well end up being a game-changer. 

Gordon averaged 20.2 points a game in the four game set, including two explosive shooting performances and the dagger to knock Argentina from Olympic play contention. Gordon also had a highlight poster dunk, and was considered to be the best player in the tournament by a long shot. 

Gordon's versatility on offense and strength as a three-point shooter has excited Suns fans ever since the signing was consummated, but he showed he still has some explosiveness from his earlier days. 

The Bahamas National team has officially punched their ticket to get a chance to make their first ever Olympic Games next year. The timing of the qualifying tournament will be announced at a later date, but it's fantastic to see Ayton, Gordon, and a country that loves basketball thriving on a world stage.

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Kevin Hicks
KEVIN HICKS

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