The Euroleague’s 50 best players: 40-31
31. Gustavo Ayon, C, Real Madrid
Nationality/College: Mexican
2017-18 stats: 7.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals per game (Real Madrid)
Career synopsis: Ayon came up through the ACB with Fuenlabrada, and enjoyed a three-year stint in the NBA,, playing for the Pelicans, Magic, Bucks, and Hawks from 2011 to 2014. After leaving Atlanta, he signed wth Real Madrid, and is starting his fifth season there. He was All-Euroleague Second Team two years ago, and despite injury, came back late in Madrid’s title run.
Representative Highlight Play:
What’s his skill set?: Nothing about Ayon’s game is sexy, but it’s very effective. He’s perhaps Euroleague’s most efficient two points out of the post, using his strength and footwork to deliver consistent looks from inside to drive Madrid’s offense early in games. He also does all of the little things on defense – he’s a little slow-footed, but he’s constantly in the right position to cut off drives, bother post scorers, and rotate for weakside blocks.
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What makes him special?: Other than being the source of one of the greatest Starters bits ever, Ayon is the veteran presence that is, at the core, who Real Madrid tries to be. They have guys like Randolph and Tavares, yes, but the strategy for Real Madrid is to surgically beat you with death by a thousand cuts, constantly being in the right spots, making methodical, purposeful decisions on offense, and rarely allowing you to capitalize on their mistakes. Sergio Llull’s injury was devastating for the team last year, but it was Ayon’s injury that fundamentally changed the way that Madrid was forced to play, and really put their season into question before he was able to come back and help guide them to a title. Few players represent the aesthetic of their team quite like Ayon does.