Capable On Ball Defender
Even though Ayton’s defensive ability has been picked apart and criticized, he’s actually a capable on ball defender. Mostly as an on ball post defender and sometimes out on the perimeter against other big men, but not guards.
Here’s two clips of Ayton’s ability to defend on the ball. In the first clip Ayton is defending a drive to the hoop from Colorado center Dallas Walton. Ayton stays with him and rejects his layup attempt.
The second clip is Ayton guarding UCLA center Thomas Welsh down low. Welsh is a fellow 7-footer and weighs 255 pounds, he tries to get deeper position on Ayton, but Ayton showcases his strength. Welsh throws up a hook shot and Ayton sends it into the UCLA bench.