All season, the Phoenix Suns have been lauded for their depth at center in a highly successful scheme designed to make centers look good on offense while putting a ton of responsibility on them as the defensive anchor on defense.
- Starting center Deandre Ayton, averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds, has been so good on both ends he might just be named to his first All-Star game this year (write the check, Bob!).
- JaVale McGee averages almost a double-double in 16 minutes per game as Ayton’s backup
- When Ayton missed six games earlier this year, Frank Kaminsky was a force of nature as McGee’s backup, averaging about 13 and 5 in 23 minutes per game off the bench
- Heck, even seldom-used Jalen Smith nearly posted a double-double in a game Ayton missed with the flu
But now that Ayton is set to miss some games for the third time already this year, the Suns center depth is suddenly being tested.