Deandre Ayton discussion

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

For me, immediate impact would go to Walter Davis followed by Alvan Adams, Amare, Marion, Larry Nance and then Booker. The only thing that keeps DA out of that list is that he only played 109 games through his first two seasons, otherwise he's probably no lower than 2nd when you consider his defensive impact. Regardless, right now my expectations are that Booker and DA will eventually be first and second on our all time list of best draft picks.

I think this is a good probability. And it’s such an enticing projection.

 

[Western Font]

For me, immediate impact would go to Walter Davis followed by Alvan Adams, Amare, Marion, Larry Nance and then Booker. The only thing that keeps DA out of that list is that he only played 109 games through his first two seasons, otherwise he's probably no lower than 2nd when you consider his defensive impact. Regardless, right now my expectations are that Booker and DA will eventually be first and second on our all time list of best draft picks.

Adams and Davis were still playing when I reached fan age but I missed the beginnings of their careers. Would love to have seen them. As a lifelong fan I wish I could have seen it all!

 

[AzStevenCal]

Adams and Davis were still playing when I reached fan age but I missed the beginnings of their careers. Would love to have seen them. As a lifelong fan I wish I could have seen it all!

Me too, TV coverage in the early years wasn't what it later became. I had to settle for "listening" to it all. Fortunately we had Al McCoy to deliver a clear radio picture. I'm not sure when you started following them but AA wasn't quite the same player after his first 2 or 3 years but Davis was special all through his Phoenix tenure.

As a Suns fan, I didn't realize there was such a thing as defense but I thought, offensively at least, Sweet D was significantly better as a small forward. After his first 3 years though they moved him to the 2 which is where he played for most of the rest of his career.

 

[Western Font]

Me too, TV coverage in the early years wasn't what it later became. I had to settle for "listening" to it all. Fortunately we had Al McCoy to deliver a clear radio picture. I'm not sure when you started following them but AA wasn't quite the same player after his first 2 or 3 years but Davis was special all through his Phoenix tenure.

As a Suns fan, I didn't realize there was such a thing as defense but I thought, offensively at least, Sweet D was significantly better as a small forward. After his first 3 years though they moved him to the 2 which is where he played for most of the rest of his career.

I couldn’t tell you exactly which year I started being aware of the team, but the players I remember are Davis, Macy, and Nance, so we’re talking sometime between 81-82 and 84-85.

 

[Hoop Head]

Really good piece on ESPN Insider about Ayton's ascent. Its got quotes from Igor, Corliss Williamson, Monty, Mark Bryant, Jamal Crawford, and some folks from UofA. Its a deep dive into his development on defense, primarily.


Espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31807851/nba-finals-2021-how-deandre-ayton-incredible-evolution-transformed-suns

 

[Yuma]

Really good piece on ESPN Insider about Ayton's ascent. Its got quotes from Igor, Corliss Williamson, Monty, Mark Bryant, Jamal Crawford, and some folks from UofA. Its a deep dive into his development on defense, primarily.


Espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31807851/nba-finals-2021-how-deandre-ayton-incredible-evolution-transformed-suns

You have to have insider to read it. Pretty good start with Kokoskov kicking basketballs at Ayton.

 

[Covert Rain]

You have to have insider to read it. Pretty good start with Kokoskov kicking basketballs at Ayton.

Seems to me aside from the drills the thing he learned this season compared to last is watching film. Studying up on players tendencies both the PG and front court players who run pick and rolls. Interesting stuff. He credit CP3 will helping him with that film study.

 

[Yuma]

Seems to me aside from the drills the thing he learned this season compared to last is watching film. Studying up on players tendencies both the PG and front court players who run pick and rolls. Interesting stuff. He credit CP3 will helping him with that film study.

What I find exciting is he is still learning. He is far from polished, so he still has upside to his game. I can't imagine what he will develop into!