Ayton played in one game against Denver last year. Ayton - 28 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists Jokic - 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists This tweet is either worded poorly or incorrect. Jokic was clearly out-played although Denver won 117-108 behind 36 by Murray.
Love the last three games...... Obviously it needs to become the norm but it is very positive to see. This kid is a walking 22 and 15 every night. He just has to WANT IT.
Ayton's career stats against Denver - 35.2 Min, 64.2 FG%, 73.9 FT%, 22.0 Pts, 13 Reb, 1.0 Ast, 1.1 Blk (This includes his first game against Denver, which was a 5-pont, 8-rebound clunker.) Excluding that first game - 37.1 Min, 66.7 FG%, 73.9 FT%, 24.8 Pts, 13.8 Reb, 1.0 Ast, 1.3 Blk
As long as he loses his fear of contact. And mixes up his game to include drawing fouls and getting free throws. And grows into a more consistent scorer. It is up to him to achieve it and the coaching staff to teach him how.
This board is just too hard on Ayton. It is his responsibility to improve and it's also the team's to try and instruct & lead him. If anybody needs to be criticized as much it's Frank Kaminsky who played what 18 minutes and rebounded poorly and defends poorly yet nobody condemns or blames him. He just collect a check and he thinks he can mentor Ayton. Patience, coaching, along with some self motivation is what Ayton needs and fire will be there. We got a good one here in Ayton so let's no trade him away so he can flourish somewhere else. I believe he will improve and be very productive. Let's build up and prosper as a Suns team together with the team we have while looking to improve constantly. Remember we had Ryshaun Holmes & Christian Woods
Complaining about Frank happens but since he's not relied on as much as Ayton and doesnt make the money or have the expectations that Ayton does it happens much less. There's no use in bagging on an end of the bench backup who is only playing right now because we're missing better players due to the leagues covid tracing and contact guidelines. Why bash someone who makes a 10th of Ayton's salary and sees about 1/3 of his minutes, if not less. He's not in the game when its time to close things out like Ayton should be and generally is, barring Ayton's last.game against Denver when he fouled out. I do agree that Ayton gets more flack from this board the other Suns fan communities. Im not sure why that is but it is true. Still I believe the vast majority of those hard on Ayton here hope the light comes on, and stays on, for him here in Phoenix rather than he fails and gets dealt. I doubt most want him dealt before absolutely necessary also. By absolutely necessary I mean when he's entering restricted free agency after his 4th season is up and he's demanding max money despite not proving to be a max player on the court, just someone with the athletic potential to be a max player that teases us by showing what he could be every 6 or 7 games.
Frank Kaminsky is like the 13th, 14th, or 15th player on the roster and he makes the minimum salary. Whatever Frank can contribute is a plus. Ayton gets a lot of criticism when he does not meet expectations but he gets praise when he plays good as well. In a way it's a compliment because he has so much talent. For those who have talent, much is expected. I think most Suns fans want Deandre to succeed and be the player we all hope he can be. He shows signs of being that player. I'd be thrilled to have Richaum Holmes or Christian Wood back. Holmes backing up Ayton or Wood playing next to him would complement him. Both players would help the Suns a lot. Wish the Suns could have somehow traded for Wood.
There are high expectations for Ayton because Ayton has the talent to meet those expectations. Kaminsky doesnt have the ability to be elite, so there is no point in being critical of this shortcoming, just as there is no point in celebrating him being on the roster. He is not a cornerstone to our franchise. Ayton receives the harsher criticism, but he also receives the greater praise. Edit: Ya what Mainstreet said.
WOW, that is really eye opening. I knew Ayton was playing excellent one on one defense, but that is incredibly good.
