An analytical look at the Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton shows a second year player that has made significant strides in rebounding and defensive awareness. While his recent 26 point and 21 rebound game against the Knicks was the highlight of his abbreviated 11 game season (game recap by Ian Millimann), the season statistics show vast growth in some of his weaker attributes.
Defense
Draft experts and player evaluators were most concerned with Deandre Ayton’s defensive ability coming out of the University of Arizona. His offensive prowess was thought to translate well to the NBA, but he had poor defensive fundamentals.