NBA Rookie Rankings: Who is the best pure scorer?

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 19, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 27: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 27, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Deandre Ayton

The NBA may be going away from throwing the ball to centers in the post, but don’t tell the Suns that. They have one of the most efficient post-up players in the league with Deandre Ayton.

The talented rookie isn’t just a back to the basket player though. He already shows really good tough on face-up jump shots from the mid-range. Again, that’s not a terribly efficient shot, but it does force opponents to close out on him.

You can criticize Ayton’s defensive acumen, but he’s playing great on the offensive end of the floor. He’s already averaging 17 points per game while shooting over 62 percent from the field. Ayton doesn’t make a ton of flashy plays, but he’s deadly when it comes to putting the ball in the basket.

The only thing Ayton doesn’t do on the offensive end is shoot from distance. Given his form from the mid-range, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be working on that part of his game. If nothing else, he should be looking to shoot trail threes on drag screens a la Marc Gasol. If Ayton adds that to his game, he’s got a chance to become the best offensive big in the NBA.

Home/NBA