Does Deandre Ayton Fit With The Trail Blazers?
Deandre Ayton was considered one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. Coming out of the University of Arizona, Ayton was selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He immediately made an impact, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a rookie. Ayton helped the Suns improve their record by 19 wins, and he was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
Ayton continued to develop in his second season, averaging 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He also helped the Suns make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
However, Ayton's future with the Suns became uncertain after the team acquired Kevin Durant in the offseason. Durant is one of the best players in the NBA, and he is expected to be the Suns' primary scorer.
This leaves Ayton in a difficult position. He is still a young player with a lot of potential, but he may not have the opportunity to reach his full potential in Phoenix. The Suns may decide to trade Ayton in order to clear cap space and add another star to their team.
The Trail Blazers' Need for a Center
The Portland Trail Blazers are in need of a center. Jusuf Nurkic has been injured for most of the season, and Enes Kanter has not been effective. The Blazers have been one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA this season, and they need a player who can help them control the boards.
Ayton would be a good fit for the Trail Blazers. He is a young, talented center who is still developing. He is also a good rebounder and defender. Ayton would give the Blazers a much-needed presence in the paint.
The Fit Between Ayton and the Trail Blazers
On paper, Ayton seems like a good fit for the Trail Blazers. He is a young, talented center who would give the team a much-needed presence in the paint. However, there are some concerns about whether Ayton would be happy in Portland.
Ayton is used to being the primary scorer on his team. He may not be willing to take a backseat to Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Additionally, Ayton may not be happy playing for a team that is not a contender. The Trail Blazers are not currently a playoff team, and it is unclear when they will be able to compete for a championship.
The Verdict
Overall, it is unclear whether Deandre Ayton would be a good fit for the Trail Blazers. He is a talented player who would fill a need for the team. However, there are some concerns about whether Ayton would be happy in Portland. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to trade for Ayton is up to the Trail Blazers' front office.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when evaluating whether or not Deandre Ayton would be a good fit for the Trail Blazers.
- Ayton's contract: Ayton is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is eligible for a rookie extension this offseason. The Trail Blazers will need to decide whether or not they are willing to commit to a long-term contract with Ayton.
- The Trail Blazers' other needs: The Trail Blazers have a number of other needs besides center. They need to add depth to their wing rotation, and they could use another playmaker. The Trail Blazers will need to decide whether or not trading for Ayton is the best way to address their needs.
- The Western Conference: The Western Conference is the toughest conference in the NBA. The Trail Blazers will need to add multiple All-Star caliber players if they want to compete for a championship. It is unclear whether or not Ayton is that player.
Conclusion
The Trail Blazers are in need of a center, and Deandre Ayton would be a good fit. However, there are some concerns about whether or not Ayton would be happy in Portland. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to trade for Ayton is up to the Trail Blazers' front office.
If the Trail Blazers do trade for Ayton, they will need to be prepared to commit to him long-term. They will also need to address their other needs, such as adding depth to their wing rotation and finding another playmaker.
The Trail Blazers have a lot of work to do if they want to compete for a championship. Trading for Ayton would be a good start, but it is not a guarantee of success.