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NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Deandre Ayton

By Rucker Haringey

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a dunk over Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the game at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a dunk over Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the game at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

3. Phoenix Suns

If the Suns started the season today they’d likely have to start Tyson Chandler at the five. That would have been an excellent plan in 2008, but it’s a pretty poor choice in 2018. Phoenix definitely needs an upgrade at the position.

The reason the Suns aren’t the perfect realistic fit for Ayton is their lack of other proven commodities in the front court. Playing Ayton next to guys like Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss is only going to make his defensive deficiencies pop off the screen. Learning from Chandler in practice can help him, but he’s nowhere near ready to make up for a below-average power forward beside him.

The good news is that Ayton is a terrific fit on the offensive end of the floor. It’s easy to envision him becoming a real screen and roll threat with Devin Booker. In fact, Ayton might immediately become the second best perimeter shooter in the Suns’ starting five depending on exactly how the roster shakes out next year.

The Suns aren’t a bad fit for Ayton, they just aren’t a perfect one. If they could acquire an above-average defender at power forward to play next to him it would really help accelerate his development. Until they make that sort of move, it’s going to be a real challenge to make the Suns a good defense.

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