I still remember sitting in my living room on June 21, 2018, watching the NBA Draft unfold with that particular mix of anticipation and skepticism that only basketball fans truly understand. The Phoenix Suns held that coveted first pick, and honestly, I wasn't entirely convinced they'd make the right choice. Looking back now, I can say with certainty they absolutely nailed it. Deandre Ayton from the University of Arizona became the first overall selection, a 7-foot center whose physical tools and college performance screamed "can't-miss prospect."
Ayton's rookie season was, in my opinion, exactly what you'd hope for from a number one pick. He put up 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, joining an elite group of rookies to average a double-double. What impressed me most wasn't just the stats, but how quickly he adapted to the NBA's pace. He wasn't just a big body; he had a soft touch around the rim and a developing mid-range game that made him a genuine offensive threat from day one. The Suns, as a team, were still in the rebuilding phase, but you could see the foundation being laid with Ayton as a central pillar. It reminds me of the kind of team-first mentality captured in that quote from the knowledge base, "So I asked the team na sacrifice and let's do our job." While the phrasing is informal, the core message about collective buy-in is precisely what a young player like Ayton needed to embrace.
The trajectory of his career took its most significant turn in the 2020-21 season. This is where, from my perspective as someone who follows the league closely, Ayton truly proved his worth. He was instrumental in the Suns' incredible run to the NBA Finals. His defensive improvement was remarkable; he became a switchable and intimidating presence in the paint. I'll never forget his game-saving block on the Clippers' Marcus Morris in the Western Conference Finals—it was a defining moment that showcased his growth beyond just scoring and rebounding. Although the Suns ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, Ayton's playoff performance solidified his status as a premier big man. He averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds throughout that postseason, and his efficiency was through the roof.
So, where is Deandre Ayton now? Well, his journey took an unexpected detour last season. After some contract disputes with the Suns, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a massive three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. I have to admit, I was skeptical about how he'd fit in Portland. It's a completely different environment, a young team in a full-scale rebuild. But you know what? Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs. In Portland, he's no longer the third or fourth option; he's being relied upon as a veteran leader and a primary offensive hub. Early in the 2023-24 season, he's been putting up around 18 points and 11 rebounds a night, showing flashes of the dominant force he can be when given a larger role. It feels like he's taken that "let's do our job" ethos to heart in a new city, embracing the responsibility that comes with being the man in the middle for a young squad.
Reflecting on the six years since he was drafted, I'd grade Ayton's career as a solid B+ so far. He has an All-Rookie First Team selection, a trip to the NBA Finals, and has been a consistent double-double machine. Has he become the perennial All-Star some projected? Not yet. But he's only 25, and now in Portland, he has the opportunity to expand his game and prove he can be the cornerstone of a franchise. His story is far from over, and I, for one, am intrigued to see how this next chapter unfolds with the Trail Blazers. He represents the fascinating reality of the NBA draft: where a player is picked is just the beginning of the story, not the definition of it.
