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NBA League restart will greatly benefit Deandre Ayton

By Eric Townsend

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 07, 2020 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 07, 2020 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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With the NBA vowing to restart their league in July to make up for the Corona Virus halt, former Wildcat Deandre Ayton will stand to benefit.

Good news folks, sports are returning, albeit it being rolled out slowly. And for those that are fans of basketball and former Wildcats, there is some good news for former Wildcat Deandre Ayton.

As you have likely seen already, it’s that the NBA will be returning in the coming weeks and 22 lucky NBA teams will have a chance to re-start their seasons, with the goal of having the NBA Finals happening in October.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Well in that group of 22 teams is the Phoenix Suns. That’s right, the same Phoenix Suns team that took our beloved Ayton No. 1 overall just two seasons ago.

Since 2018, the former Wildcat and budding star certainly had his fare share of ups and downs, in particular with this season as Ayton went through a suspension and injury. However, just before the season came to a halt, Ayton was coming into his own.

Just for the month of February alone, Deandre was averaging 21.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. His stellar month of February brought up his season average to 19.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.

However, that’s all not to be outdone by his improved defensive performance this season.

Ayton is quickly becoming one of the best post players in the game, and keep in mind, he still hasn’t played all that much basketball, especially at the professional level. Out of 164 games (regular seasons have 82 games) possible, Ayton has played in just 101 games. That’s just a little over one season. He is still developing.

More time for Ayton is crucial, and as the NBA re-starts in the coming weeks, this extra playing time is crucial for him. The stakes are a bit higher, and he will essentially get to experience “playoff basketball”. That kind of playing time will be invaluable for him and could really help him to take that next step!

After all, we’ve seen just what he can do! Here’s just a small reminder of how good this kid is!

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