Agreed. The whole “he didn’t have to carry the team so it’s not his fault he hasn’t developed into a star like others” argument is beyond reasonable imo. But everyone is entitled to their opinions.
I feel like I've defended Ayton many a time while also acknowledging that he certainly has his flaws.
The Suns are in the 3rd year of true relevance while he has been on the team and, despite him posting some very impressive statistical nights, I think this is his worst season in terms of impact on the court during that stretch.
The previous 2 years, he was consistently one of the best defensive bigs in the league, especially as a rare big who can switch and defend guards on the outside when forced to. He was especially good at cutting off driving lanes when players penetrated from the outside, doing so even before they threatened the rim. He's also been among the best screeners on offense during the previous 2 years.
He did a lot of the little things that don't show up in the stat sheet but sure as hell show up in the scoring margin and team splits.
He hasn't been doing that stuff consistently this year and it's been reflected in him going from one of our best on/off court split players to one of our worst.
He had his contract stuff, his 2nd round spat with Monty, there has been a tinge of "get mine" to his play this year. However, it does seem like his effort has improved a lot of late. Hopefully the ownership change and playing with a guy like Durant fires him up again. He does seem like the type of player to reeeeeeally want to step up his game when playing along side greatness.
Ayton's biggest problem is self motivation. If this team gets and stays healthy, he will have a chance to be a real hero or a real goat. I hope he, and the guys around him, use that to fire him up.