Phoenix Suns hold solo pre-draft workout for Deandre Ayton
By David Rosen
The unanimous choice to be the No.1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Deandre Ayton, took part in his one and only NBA pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns.
The man that goes by many names, Deandre Ayton, took part in a solo pre-draft NBA workout with the Phoenix Suns. After having one of the greatest single seasons in Arizona Wildcat basketball history, Ayton will look to continue the same greatness in the NBA. He is seen by many to be the obvious choice for the Suns, even Ayton himself said after the workout today to reporters “I know I am going No.1.”
Wednesday’s workout with the Suns was solo, there was no video or pictures allowed, but the media did have access to Ayton afterward during the press conference. Why would the Suns or Ayton agree to a workout? Many could see this as them not being sure if they should or not or maybe Ayton just wants to make a statement to the Sun’s organization that he is the No.1 pick for a reason! Or just because they can get a head start on building chemistry within the team.
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General Manager of the Suns, Ryan McDonough, indicated during the press conference that the one hour workout was made up of certain game scenarios on both offense and defense, shooting, finishing and defensive drills. McDonough provided his feedback on how he felt the overall workout went with Ayton, “He showed us what we expected to see.”
There are Ay-ton of reasons Ayton should be chosen at the No.1 spot in the upcoming NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. His name should be called first because of his versatility to play many roles as a 7-footer, the immediate impact he will have on the team and the excitement he will bring back to Phoenix Suns basketball!
Other reasons include how well Ayton would fit in perfectly for the Suns adding size and strength to the frontcourt and backcourt. Yes, I said backcourt. He has incredible handles for a 7-footer and can also knock down that NBA three-pointer.
Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, and almost all of the group here working out in Phoenix watched Ayton’s workout. They all will get together to watch The Finals tonight, too.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 6, 2018
Ayton is a “once in a lifetime” player that has that natural ability to do things that are just godlike. Passing up on someone like Ayton would be the BIGGEST mistake ever. Nothing to take away from the other lottery picks, but Ayton is on another level and Suns fans know it.
As a Wildcat, for those that need reminding, Ayton averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He shot 61.2 % from the field and earned many accolades including Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Dre quote highlights during the press conference:
“Workout was pretty intense. I learned a lot. Big key I learned was versatility. Basically a lot of switches in the league. Lot of small ball playing. ”
“I want to be the best 2-way player coming into the league and be a shot protector and protector rim.
When asked about teaming about with Devin Booker, “That’s Shaq and Kobe 2.0!”
On potentially playing with @DevinBook: “That’s Shaq and Kobe 2.0…We could really make something happen in Phoenix.”
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 6, 2018
-Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/fNbxLJTqyY
“I am the best competitor in this NBA Draft,” was Aytons answer to why he should be the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft
“No one else,” Deandre’s answer when asked what other teams he would grant a pre-draft workout.
Early this past spring, Deandre expressed interest in playing for the Suns. Plus, Ayton has already apparently developed friendships with current Suns players Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and Marquese Chriss. Dre also calls Phoenix home during his high school days. Add up all these things and Ayton earns the No.1 spot for the Suns, it’s a no-brainer!
https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1004492946232639489
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June 21, 2018. That is the day Deandre Ayton hopes to hear his name called as the Phoenix Suns No.1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Arizona Wildcats and Phoenix Suns fans hope to hear the former Wildcat achieve his dreams, he deserves it!