Ayton's Ceiling

[WildBB]

Ayton will lose the advantage he had in NCAA once he steps in NBA. That's his height and athletic figure. Are his other abilities on such a level to be successful against the strongest centers in the league? Yes, but only after 200 - 300 games. And I'm talking here about his offensive gameplay. But the most worrying thing is his defense, I'm not shure if its Ristic's fault that Ayton is not using his wingspan under the basket, neither did coach give him instructions to be lost in space when playing defense. For an all-star you need body, brains and instict for the game. Not necessarily in that order, but you need all of them. When looking Ayton playing defense I see his lack of instinct. I don't know if you can teach that.

Yeah, he's got a ways to go before he's Shaq.

That said you've got to take the flyer on him and have a VERY good hard nosed b/u center not named Bender.

 

[Hoop Head]

Yeah, he's got a ways to go before he's Shaq.

That said you've got to take the flyer on him and have a VERY good hard nosed b/u center not named Bender.

Chandler is actually a good backup in Ayton's rookie year, using Bender as our 3rd string Center. Chandler should be able to play all out for 15-20 minutes a game while Ayton learns his way in the NBA. Who knows, Chandler could be worth retaining as an Assistant Coach after this year to stick around and mentor Ayton longer. Tyson is a former DPOY and should be able to help Ayton find his way in the league. He's under contract for $13 million anyways, I don't see the Suns being able to unload that in a trade this summer.

 

[Folster]

We seem to agree that Ayton's ceiling is Robinson or Olajuwan. He may not realize that potential obviously, but it's there.

Fran Fraschilla, ESPNs Euro and college analyst/expert compared Doncic's ceiling to a combo of Gordon Hayward and Manu Ginobli.

Now we can discuss their floors and it is a worthwhile discussion to be had, but there is no comparison of upside between the two.

 

[Russ Smith]

I don't get the Hakeem comparison at all, what made him so good on offense was his incredible quickness, and that the NBA allowed the dreamshake even though it was a walk, Atyon is a terrific athlete but he's not even REMOTELY as quick as Hakeem was. Robinson is a much better comparison offensively IMO. Defensively he wasn't nearly as good in college but then Robinson played 3 years, and Robinson played his natural position defensively in college, Ayton was trying to play the 4.

 

[WildBB]

Chandler is actually a good backup in Ayton's rookie year, using Bender as our 3rd string Center. Chandler should be able to play all out for 15-20 minutes a game while Ayton learns his way in the NBA. Who knows, Chandler could be worth retaining as an Assistant Coach after this year to stick around and mentor Ayton longer. Tyson is a former DPOY and should be able to help Ayton find his way in the league. He's under contract for $13 million anyways, I don't see the Suns being able to unload that in a trade this summer.

I'd prefer Len as a b/u, but he'll want starter $$ even though he hasn't earned that yet. But your right they would'nt get anything for Chandler at this point other then a late 2nd, mtl.

 

[az jam]

Chandler is actually a good backup in Ayton's rookie year, using Bender as our 3rd string Center. Chandler should be able to play all out for 15-20 minutes a game while Ayton learns his way in the NBA. Who knows, Chandler could be worth retaining as an Assistant Coach after this year to stick around and mentor Ayton longer. Tyson is a former DPOY and should be able to help Ayton find his way in the league. He's under contract for $13 million anyways, I don't see the Suns being able to unload that in a trade this summer.

Good point. Chandler should be a good mentor for him during his rookie year.

 

[Cheesebeef]

We seem to agree that Ayton's ceiling is Robinson or Olajuwan. He may not realize that potential obviously, but it's there.

Fran Fraschilla, ESPNs Euro and college analyst/expert compared Doncic's ceiling to a combo of Gordon Hayward and Manu Ginobli.

Now we can discuss their floors and it is a worthwhile discussion to be had, but there is no comparison of upside between the two.

I think that’s a lazy “he’s white and euro” comp. He’s not as athletic as either Hayward or Manu.

 

[JS22]

You’re being way too generous. Do you know how many bigs actually averaged 18 & 10 in the NBA last season? Not that many.

Ayton’s ceiling is incredible but his floor may also very well be Hasheem Thabeet.

Thabeet? Really?

 

[JS22]

Ayton will lose the advantage he had in NCAA once he steps in NBA. That's his height and athletic figure. Are his other abilities on such a level to be successful against the strongest centers in the league? Yes, but only after 200 - 300 games. And I'm talking here about his offensive gameplay. But the most worrying thing is his defense, I'm not shure if its Ristic's fault that Ayton is not using his wingspan under the basket, neither did coach give him instructions to be lost in space when playing defense. For an all-star you need body, brains and instict for the game. Not necessarily in that order, but you need all of them. When looking Ayton playing defense I see his lack of instinct. I don't know if you can teach that.

He's 7'1 250/260 at 19 years old. He has a chance to get even bigger. Height / strength / athleticism is never going to be a concern for him, even against profession players.

Most bigs come into the league needing to put on 20+ lbs. He's already there at 19 years old. He's probably going to be a monster when he's 22/23.

 

[Folster]

I think that’s a lazy “he’s white and euro” comp. He’s not as athletic as either Hayward or Manu.

I don't know. The knock on Hayward was his athleticism when he was coming out of Butler and whether he'd be able to guard more athletic wings. The ESPN analyst said Doncic has comparable athleticism to Hayward with the basketball IQ of Ginobli.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Unless the Suns revamp the roster, and decide they need Chandler to help make a push; get Ayton on the floor with Bender as much as you are comfortable with and see how it works... Immediately.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Man... I don’t think we could ask for a better mentor for Ayton than Chandler.

 

[BC867]

Chandler is actually a good backup in Ayton's rookie year, using Bender as our 3rd string Center. Chandler should be able to play all out for 15-20 minutes a game while Ayton learns his way in the NBA. Who knows, Chandler could be worth retaining as an Assistant Coach after this year to stick around and mentor Ayton longer. Tyson is a former DPOY and should be able to help Ayton find his way in the league. He's under contract for $13 million anyways, I don't see the Suns being able to unload that in a trade this summer.

Excellent post! Every thought you posted. I have no doubt that Tyson would be the perfect mentor. And I'm hoping that he'll want to stay on as Big Men coach after he retires.

 

[Bufalay]

I’ve only watched highlights but Ayton looks like he’s always avoiding contact. He looks tough but plays kind of wimpy. Reminds me of Gortat.

 

[ozzfloyd]

I’ve only watched highlights but Ayton looks like he’s always avoiding contact. He looks tough but plays kind of wimpy. Reminds me of Gortat.

 

[TJ]

Man... I don’t think we could ask for a better mentor for Ayton than Chandler.

Agree. If we pick Ayton, I want Tyson to stay.

 

[TJ]

He's 7'1 250/260 at 19 years old. He has a chance to get even bigger. Height / strength / athleticism is never going to be a concern for him, even against profession players.

Most bigs come into the league needing to put on 20+ lbs. He's already there at 19 years old. He's probably going to be a monster when he's 22/23.

He's not already?

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[JS22]

He's not already?

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Now imagine him in 3-4 years.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Now imagine him in 3-4 years.

with the right coaching, this guy could be Anthony Davis level good.

Now, imagine Davis playing with Booker and Jackson instead of the drake he's playing with.

My lord... I've literally been drooling about this since it happened.

PLEASE DO NOT MESS THIS UP MCD!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SirStefan32]

I don't know. The knock on Hayward was his athleticism when he was coming out of Butler and whether he'd be able to guard more athletic wings. The ESPN analyst said Doncic has comparable athleticism to Hayward with the basketball IQ of Ginobli.

That's missing his most polished skill. His passing is what's going to make him special.

 

[Cheesebeef]

That's missing his most polished skill. His passing is what's going to make him special.

Ginobli was a pretty incredible passer though. he usually ran the second unit for the Spurs.

 

[SirStefan32]

Trust me, Doncic is a far better passer. Probably not in the Magic/ Nash/ Stockton category, but definitely in the next group.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Ayton is a very good passer. Its an underrated part of his game.

 

[TJ]

7’1” 260 lbs, ladies and gentlemen

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[rocker]

I’ve only watched highlights but Ayton looks like he’s always avoiding contact. He looks tough but plays kind of wimpy. Reminds me of Gortat.

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