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Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton can elevate his game by inviting contact

Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton is playing 30.6 minutes per game, 13th among all NBA centers. Despite that, he’s attempting just 2.4 free throws per game, which is 31st among centers. Part of the issue is the Suns getting the ball to Ayton down low, but an even bigger reason is Ayton’s unassertiveness offensively for large stretches of the game.

There isn’t a center in the league playing more minutes and taking fewer free throws than Ayton. There are five centers attempting more free throws per game than Ayton while also playing at least ten fewer minutes, including former Suns lottery pick Alex Len.