The 2018 NBA Draft is the first time in franchise history that the Phoenix Suns got to pick first. That means they got their choice of any player available. That choice led to them making Deandre Ayton the first Suns number one overall pick in franchise history.
If the Suns ever had to get a pick right it is this one. When a team picks first they lose the excuse of someone else picking the best player or the player they wanted. The Suns had to do diligent research to ensure that Ayton was a better option than every player that was eligible after him.
Ayton is familiar with Arizona since he went to high school at Phoenix’s Hillcrest Prep and is a former Arizona Wildcat. His ties to the area are just one of the reasons why many thought he would be the first pick.
The multitude of other reasons are what he did on the court. Ayton averaged 20.1 points on 61.2 percent shooting, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for Arizona. He also shot 34.3 percent from three-point range.
His play got him the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and Pac-12 Most Outstanding player of the year.
He stands at an imposing 7-1, 250-pounds with sensational athleticism. His footwork is admirable as well as his ability to step away from the basket and knock down jumpers. One thing he leaves to be desired is his effort on the defensive end.
However, despite his deficiencies on the defensive end. There is belief he will become a combination of David Robinson, Patrick Ewing and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Ayton plays with a level of dominance that many in Phoenix hope will be emblematic of Shaquille O’Neal. So much so that he and Devin Booker are being called Shaq and Kobe Bryant 2.0:
2.0 … Coming SOON. .
PC @BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/MIeRZBkEgO
— Phoen1x Šuns (@Suns) June 22, 2018
The Suns’ recent history drafting big men in the lottery has been unflattering to say the least. In 2013 they chose Alex Len with the fifth overall pick. Then in 2016 they took Dragan Bender with the fourth overall pick.
This trend has to end here with Ayton. This move will decide whether or not the Suns will start to trend upward or remain at the bottom of the barrel.
Especially because Booker, one of their building blocks has made it clear he is done losing per NBC Sports:
“I’m serious. This is probably my last year ever not making the playoffs. If that’s putting pressure on myself, I’m going to take this summer and work that hard so that it doesn’t happen again.”
Booker’s words not only apply pressure to himself, but the Suns organization. It is a subtle way of saying he will not stay with a team that is not mirroring his commitment to success.
The team’s first ever number one overall pick will go a long way to determining its future. Hopefully, it is a future that will take the Suns out of the lottery for the first time since 2010.
Brendan Abban is the owner and creator of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @AbbanBrendan or email him via [email protected].
