7. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (2018)
NBA career stats: 17 points, 11 rebounds, 57%FG
Like a few other players on this list, the verdict is still very much out on Deandre Ayton. Though, through roughly his first two years in the NBA, there is some promise surrounding the top overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft.
Deandre Ayton might not be the franchise-changer that the Phoenix Suns hoped he’d be, but there’s no question that he could certainly be a big piece of their rebuilding puzzle.
During his sophomore season with the Suns, Ayton was on pace to average 19 points, 12 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game on 55 percent shooting from the field. Ayton still leaves a bit to be desired in his ability to stretch the floor as a modern big, but I wouldn’t say – and neither would the Suns – he’s been a bust by any stretch of the imagination.
The Suns have a solid young core in Devin Booker, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Deandre Ayton. The future is bright for this organization if they can continue to build smartly.