With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns came into this postseason as the favorite sot win the West in the eyes of many fans, analysts, and experts. While they are not out of the picture just yet, they are on the verge of defeat against a Nuggets team that has looked better in almost every way so far.
As people begin looking for someone to blame for this disappointing playoff run, all eyes are on Deandre Ayton to see how he closes this series out. So far, his play has been rather pathetic, and his effort level has been questionable at times. As ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins explained on NBA Today this week, the Suns need Ayton to step up and rise to the occasion if they want to stop the bleeding.
“I spy everything… I spy fear. I see a guy whose heart is pumping kool aid in DeAndre Ayton and the one thing is that film don’t lie.”
I SPY Fear in Deandre Ayton!!!! Carry on… #NBAToday pic.twitter.com/kGD3dcoL1p
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 10, 2023
The problem with Ayton has nothing to do with talent. As a multi-faceted big who can defend, rebound, and control the interior, there’s a reason he was picked first overall in the 2018 Draft.
Unfortunately, it seems Ayton cannot consistently stay focused throughout the game, and repeated lapses defensively against the Nuggets is likely what will cost them a chance at the title this year.
Will Ayton Be Put On The Trade Block This Offseason?
After giving up so much of their depth to acquire Durant, the Suns find themselves struggling to keep up against Nikola Jokic, who continues to make the most out of his teammates and Denver’s well-rounded roster.
Meanwhile, the play of guys like Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton has put more pressure on a bench to fill the gaps that their stars can’t patch.
“What the hell is going on with Deandre Ayton? You don’t have a pulse? Jokic is giving it to this brother,” said Stephen A. “He is shooting 50% with 37 points in two games being guarded by Deandre Ayton. Do you not have something to say about that? You’re not some novice, you’ve been around a little while. This man is abusing you, he’s embarrassing you, do something about it. 39 and 16 in Game 2, just wobbling up the court doing whatever the wants to do and busting your you know what. What the hell is that about?”
Before the playoffs, Ayton was considered one of the Suns’ greatest weapons against Jokic, but it seems that they severely overestimated the impact he’d have in the playoffs, and it’s costing them a lot.
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