I think it’s more than he won’t be Robinson/Duncan. That’s an oversimplification of the criticism. The bigger issue is he’s not even an All-Star level player… and has ALL the tools to be one/is being paid to be one.
I don’t know who “everyone” is but they must populate another board that you frequent because that’s not us.
Not only that, but we’ve heard Barkley, shaq, jimmy Jackson, Reggie Miller, van gundy, just to name a few experts comment on Ayton’s shortcomings regularly. It’s not a 50-50 split on aytin. It’s a recognition he could be so much more and is a disappointment by likely 75-85% of fans, teams (maybe, I mean the pacers were the only team to seemingly seriously pursue him), and basketball pundits.
You’ve definitely become more reasonable this year in regards to Ayton’s deficiencies.
Did you watch the game?
Did you watch the game? The volume of uncontested, or direct rebounds was REALLY high last night. That said, there does have to be effort to get to 20. But that doesn’t mean he expended effort in other areas. I was frustrated by how many layups or offensive rebounds were the result of him watching.
If he was an all-star level player he would be playing at their level when either of those players were in their 4/5 year.
And he has all star stats and he’s still not even mentioned as a potential all star. That speaks volumes about how the coaches and players see him.
Not even close. Those guys weren’t just All-Stars by year 4, they were MVP candidates in year 2. There’s a gulf of difference between All Star level and sure fire first ballot HOFers.
Finito, you can expend effort in one part of your game and be lazy in others. Offensive players in most sports are criticized for it all the time. They spend all their energy in one aspect of the game and dog it in others. One doesn't lead to another. So, yes you can be criticized for lack of effort in other parts of your game. Having said that, I am not sure it's an effort thing with him. I feel like it's a head thing for him.
but still the blame is repeatedly laid at Monty’s or the organizations feet, making excuses about Ayton’s game out there… when it’s really looked not all that different than a lot of his entire outside of one truly consistent playoff run.
There are a myriad of ways to be creative in trades. If a team really wanted Ayton they would have traded for him. Instead all we heard a lot of was “they aren’t interested in trading for Ayton.” But maybe I’m wrong. What teams did you know of that expressed interest? What teams are we hearing about that want him now?
Not always. Many HOF's were perennial All-Stars. Ayton is just a weird player. He flashes greatness. He flashes dominance. His numbers are decent. It just feels like he is on his tippy toes forever reaching for the cookie jar and can't reach it. It's so frustrating.
It’s also a stamina issue. Ayton repeatedly has big first halfs only to follow them up by duds in the second. And there’s no conspiracy against him to make that happen. We can see him huffing and puffing even early in games and when you lose your legs, that’s when you mentally start to go weak/lazy.
True. But I think monty deserves the criticism too.
100%. We have seen Monty's scheme. It's funny Shaq said it on the telecast last night. He said that Monty's offense basically is pick and roll with Ayton the vast majority of the time verses regular offensive sets. It's true. This offense is based on CP3/Booker getting to their mid-range shots and if teams collapse getting the ball to shooters. The rest of the time it's pick and roll with Ayton going to the bucket. I would think Shaq knows what he is talking about since it was his position.
Nobody said he gets 20 rebounds accidentally and Ayton is not underrated whatsoever. I think most of the league and fans recognize he has talent but isn't an All-star. That's not underrated.
Ok I'm a UA fan so take this like a grain of salt. Blame Monty for playing the softie that long after being sick. You have two other centers that would have done better. WHY?
