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Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton is the real deal, and will take the pressure off Booker

By Andres Buenahora

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after dunking against the USC Trojans during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 75-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after dunking against the USC Trojans during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 75-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Deandre Ayton will prove to be worthy of being selected No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Suns, and will help take the pressure off Devin Booker

As many had predicted, the Phoenix Suns made it official and selected Deandre Ayton with the No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Question is, what exactly are the Suns getting in Ayton? Well, let’s dig into what type of prospect Ayton is, and what he could develop into.

Ayton boasts impressive physical tools, as his 7-foot-1 frame, 7-foot-6 wingspan and 9-foot-3 standing reach would indicate. Walking on the floor, he will likely have the athletic advantage on most nights against his fellow big men. But he’s not just a physical specimen.

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The Arizona product averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshmen at Arizona, statistical numbers that indicate the big man is just oozing with potential.

Ayton shot over 60 percent from the field in 35 games with the Wildcats and ranked in the 90th percentile in scoring off post up situations, which bodes well for his perception as an offensive force at the NBA level.

His superior size and strength as well as his developing skill set and shooting touch make him a clear cut No. 1 pick. However, Ayton still has significant weaknesses at the other end of the floor. He posted poor defensive numbers and failed to be a solid rim protector throughout the season.

The center was also unable to defend the pick-and-roll effectively, which is a major concern due to the NBA’s guard dominated style of play. His ability to defend the likes of Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook will determine whether he can solely be an offensive weapon or develop into a transcendent big man at both ends of the floor like Joel Embiid.

Although there are definitely weaknesses in his game, particularly at the defensive end, Ayton has all the physical tools to compete as a defensive force at the next level. The Suns needed a center to pair with franchise cornertsone Devin Booker and they did just that.

Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: 10 players that could be dealt during the offseason

Deandre Ayton’s exciting offensive game and athletic dunks provide hope for a revival in Phoenix and a glimpse of “Shaq and Kobe 2.0” for years to come.

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