Here’s How The Phoenix Suns Won The 2018 NBA Draft

NBA Draft classes are a lot like a box of chocolates, you never quite know what you’re going to get. Some players build off of great college careers and become franchise and household names, whilst others just don’t quite meet the NBA’s great expectations and fade. For the past two seasons, 2018’s 1st overall pick DeAndre Ayton was quickly joining the ‘Big Man Bust’ list alongside the likes of Greg Oden and Anthony Bennett instead of leading an NBA franchise - but I guess no one is laughing now.

DeAndre Ayton drafted with 1st overall pick in 2018 by Pheonix Suns - thegaurdian.com

With the likes of Luka Doncic and Trae Young yet to be chosen, it was a fairly head scratching moment when the 6’11” Arizona alumni heard his name called first for the Pheonix Suns. However, unlike everyone else in the draft lottery, Phoenix weren’t looking for a future Hall of Famer, as they already had that in Devin Booker, who just a year prior had dropped 70 points against the Boston Celtics. They did need a centre though, even if their only purpose was to collect all of Bookers rare misses. Now, after 2 rather underwhelming seasons, Ayton is finally starting to find his feet and has quickly become a key factor in the Suns rise to conquer the Western Conference.

Just by the numbers, Ayton’s performances have been consistent averaging 16.6 points and 10.6 rebounds over the last 3 regular seasons, but the playoffs is where is presence has really been felt. The addition of legendary point guard Chris Paul has breathed new life into Ayton who’s ability has been unlocked just by having the right guy in the backcourt.

Ayton’s selflessness is something that also needs to be commended. Unlike other high 1st round picks, Ayton didn’t come in with a dominating personality and play style but instead has answered the call in terms of filling in a role around the Suns already acquired stars and accomplishing the little things that make great teams roll through the playoffs. This has led to big time playoff performances and the nickname “DominAyton” starting to trend on Twitter.

The Suns - j99news.com

Now, I’m not saying that Ayton is anywhere near the talent of a Luka Doncic or a Trae Young, but whilst their teams are focused on rebuilds and getting past the Bucks, the Suns look poised to challenge for an NBA title in just a few weeks time - if that’s not the definition of winning an NBA Draft I don’t know what is.

Comments

Athlete's Wages - The Price WE Pay For World-Class Sport

In 2014, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire athlete with his combined assets reaching an estimated $1.9 billion. Since then, athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods and Michael Schumacher have all joined the billionaire club as a reward for their decades of hard work and sacrifice to become some of the greatest sportsmen of all time. However, no matter what year you choose, the world always seems to be in some sort of economic crisis and every day people lose their livelihoods so that people further up the food chain can live a little more lavishly. Professional athletes are treated like gods whilst the mortals within the general public continue their daily struggle to make ends meet. The worst part? The deeper you dig, the more outrageous this illusion becomes. Let's start with some infamous salaries from this year alone (before endorsements and sponsorship): NBA: Average Salary - $7 million Highest Paid - Stephen C...

"Pistol Pete" Maravich - The Most Underrated NBA Legend of All Time

When people talk about inventors that were ahead of their time, some might say Leonardo Da Vinci, Plato, or Hero of Alexandria. But if you ever want to find a man that was born into the wrong era, look no further than "Pistol Pete" Maravich. Now, I'll admit, Pete Maravich isn't exactly a household name in today's NBA and I doubt you'll find him on any all-time lists. However, in the basketball world, there are two main things that Maravich is known for: 1. Having very bad knees. 2. Being one of the best NBA guards of all time. As the son of a tough basketball coach, Press Maravich, Pete was sculpted into the mould of a great basketball player. The legend of "Pistol Pete" started at Louisiana State University from 1967-1970 and he immediately set the college basketball scene alight. Over 3 seasons, he averaged 44.2 points per game, an NCAA record that still stands to this day and is a stat that arguably makes him the greatest college basketball pla...

We Were Wrong

International football is a strange paradigm. The same fans who pushed England to the brink of their best result in 55 years are the same fans that have brought nothing but disgrace to themselves and the nation after Sunday nights heartbreaking exit at Euro 2020. After just 1 minute at 37 seconds, Luke Shaw raised a nation to it’s feet, only for Italy to bring us crashing back down to our sofas with our heads in our hands 66 minutes later. Despite the outrageous home advantage, it was always Italy’s game to lose and with a 33 game winning streak on the line, they showcased not only why they are the best team in Europe, but maybe even on the planet - something our young lions may one day possess (just not in the immediate future). There were several major errors both on and off the pitch that ultimately cost the lions their first international trophy since 1966. In fact, England’s problems started long before any ball was placed on a penalty spot. After a scintillating 45 minutes ...

View From The Bridge

Search This Blog