The Suns have wandered in the desert for 50 years, searching for a franchise center. In Deandre Ayton they hope they finally found their man.
Phoenix, to the surprise of no one, used the No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft to select Ayton, the 7-foot-1, 260-pound center from the University of Arizona. The pick confirmed what Ayton told reporters after his workout with the Suns on June 6.
“I know I’m going Number 1,” he said.
The Suns believe Ayton, who averaged 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds for Arizona last season, can be their offensive and defensive anchor going forward.