Suns center Deandre Ayton was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason and has faced criticism for his inconsistent play. He spoke last month about wanting to “change the narrative of what people think about me.”
Helping the Bahamas win a pre-qualifying tournament for the 2024 Olympics was a good start, and the former No. 1 overall pick seems to have rediscovered his joy for basketball while representing his home country, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (subscriber link).
“The best teammates I’ve ever been around on and off the court,” Ayton said last weekend after defeating Argentina in the final. “Just understanding how it feels to fight for your country and everybody on the same mission. It was a phenomenal feeling.”
Here’s more from the Pacific:
- Mark Medina of Sportskeeda recently spoke to Stephen Curry‘s trainer, Brandon Payne, about a number of topics, including Curry’s offseason work with new Warriors addition Chris Paul. “It was great,” Payne said. “They are two guys that have the same mindset: ‘We’re here to win, so let’s do it.’ I was very impressed with the instant chemistry those guys had. It was fun to watch. There was so much ball movement. For a pick-up basketball game, that was some of the most impressive ball movement I’ve ever seen.”
- The Lakers will unveil a statue of the late Kobe Bryant outside Crypto.com Arena on February 8, 2024, tweets Khobi Price of The Southern California News Group. “Kobe Bryant was one of the most extraordinary athletes of all time, and one of the most iconic individuals in the history of Los Angeles,” said Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. “There is no better place for Kobe to honored with a statue than here, at the center of our city, where everyone can celebrate him and be inspired by his incredible achievements.” The Hall-of-Fame shooting guard spent all 20 of his NBA seasons with the Lakers, making 15 All-NBA appearances and winning five championships.
- With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George possibly entering the final year of their respective contracts (both have player options for 2024/25), Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports wonders if the Clippers‘ title window has already closed. As Goodwill writes, Leonard and George have dealt with numerous injuries during their four years in L.A., so it’s hard to envision the Clippers being open to lucrative long-term extensions with the star wings.
Remember when the media was shouting from the rooftops that the Clippers are the team of LA? That went well.
Maybe they just forgot a word.
Clippers are the team of LA healthcare.
Lame. You tried, though.
it was a great attempt, reflect. they can’t all be gold
I think it might be hard for the clippers to not resign them, considering they are moving to their new arena soon and will want to field a competitive team
Hopefully they take a slight pay cut. No Max.
Russell Westbrook needs to get paid too end of year.
Don’t think the suns will win as currently constructed.
Beal Booker KD will take up all the touches and all the shots. That’s 3 25+ points per game scorers. No real facilitator to run the team, so expect a lot of iso plays but in fairness they have 2 of the best scorers in the league.
They lack defenders, depth, chemistry, leadership and all those little things money can’t buy will be what stops them.
Ayton likes to clog up the paint, wants to shoot those 10 footers and isn’t a beast protecting the rim. He’s not a great fit and he’s very expensive.
He’s the guy they need to be trading to help fill those holes I’ve listed above.
Here’s the 2 deals I’d try make and why.
1. DeAndre Ayton for Daniel Gafford, Delon Wright and Danilo Gallinari
Gafford fills the Ayton hole at centre. Less demanding of the ball, more of a rim runner. Still not the perfect fit but will do the job. Wright gives them a good back up point guard with size and experience which they lack. Then lastly Danilo is a solid rotational piece who could be a difference maker at times with his excellent shooting.
On the other hand Washington add Ayton to their growing new young core. I think in this environment he could really turn into that 20-10 minimum player we all know he can be.
2. DeAndre Ayton for Jonas Valaucanes, Larry Nance Jr and Kira Lewis Jr.
Jonas is a much much better fit for Phoenix. Not only is he a better defender but offensively he doesn’t demand the ball as much while offering more. He’s added abit of a 3 point stroke to his game and he’s a better FT shooter. Larry Nance is a great locker room guy who would also be a solid rotational piece.
NO earlier in the offseason said they were looking to move Big V for an upgrade at centre. Ayton arguably could be that guy for them and if not because of his age could improve with the pelicans young core.