NBA Rookie Rankings: Deandre Ayton is closing in on Luka Doncic

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Deandre Ayton

The Suns are off to a miserable 1-5 start, but you shouldn’t blame Deandre Ayton for the team’s losing streak. He’s been really efficient on the offensive end of the floor and surprisingly competitive on defense. There’s at least some hope that he and Devin Booker can be the building blocks of a competitive franchise once the prolific guard returns from injury.

Ayton has been amazingly effective on the offensive end of the floor to begin his rookie campaign. He’s managed to fit right into the Suns’ offense and make shots at an impressive clip. Ayton’s true shooting percentage of 66.7 almost certainly isn’t sustainable, but it has powered him to an excellent start to the season.

Even more impressive is the way Ayton has been able to score. He’s hit plenty of face-up jump shots, but he’s also starting to learn how to threaten the rim via the pick and roll. If he can provide gravity to the Suns’ offense as a rim runner, it’s going to unlock a lot of options for their offense.

Defensively, Ayton still looks lost at times, but he’s shown a good ability to defend post-up players one on one. It’ll take time for him to fully grasp the nuances of NBA rotations, but he has a chance to develop into an average NBA defender. The Suns would happily take that development without thinking twice.

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