Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton desperately needs to be the real deal

By Michael Saenz

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 09: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns is guarded by Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Magic 71-53. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 09: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns is guarded by Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Magic 71-53. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

For the Phoenix Suns to make a leap next season, Deandre Ayton will have to be the real deal

The Phoenix Suns, on paper, have one of the best young rosters in the NBA. A big reason why is Devin Booker, who has flashed a ton during his first few seasons in the league – which includes an unreal 70-point performance.

But other than Booker, the team has a ton of players that are loaded with potential. They just haven’t really played up to that potential, such as Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender and now Deandre Ayton (and Mikal Bridges).

However, if this team is going to jump from the bottom of the NBA to even an average, but potentially special in a few years, type of team, they desperately need Ayton to be the real deal.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

Ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton was dubbed as the most NBA ready prospect in the draft class. He was also a physical freak during his freshman season at Arizona. But it’s one thing to be dominant in college and another to do it in the NBA.

Just ask Michael Beasley. It’s not easy to make the jump, even if you have all the talent in the world. Ayton will be especially important to start the season considering Booker could miss the start of the season after undergoing hand surgery a few weeks ago.

If that happens, Ayton will be asked to carry a bit more of the responsibility until he returns, especially if the likes of Jackson and Bender don’t make the jumps many expect them to make this season.

During the last few seasons, the Suns have 23, 24 and 21 games. This is not a roster that can afford to win only 20-some odd games, This roster is too talented for that kind of showing in 2018-19.

light. Related Story. NBA: 5 players who will make the jump to stardom in 2018-19

And under a new head coaching staff, led by Igor Kokoskov, they’re going to be under a bigger microscope. How much better will the Phoenix Suns be this season? It may depend on how well Deandre Ayton translates to the league.

Home/Phoenix Suns