Memphis Grizzlies 2018 Draft Big Board 3.0
No. 2: DeAndre Ayton
I just really don’t know with DeAndre Ayton.
He’ll probably go number one in the draft; his physical tools and overall skillset suggest though. He can score in the post, from mid-range and from deep. In addition, Ayton can be a flat beast on the glass — when he wants to.
However, his motor isn’t that high, and he seems disinterested on defense. He can flat dominate, but what kind of hyped center prospect goes for 14 points and 13 rebounds against Buffalo?
He should’ve torn them apart! Granted, Sean Miller didn’t help him out, as he was played out of position at times. He’s naturally a 5, but was played at the 4 at times.
Related Story: Could Ayton go to the Grizz at No. 1?
Once Ayton is in the NBA, he’ll probably play the 5. However, people are suggesting playing Marc Gasol and DeAndre Ayton at the same time. It just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. It’s almost like if they draft Ayton, they need to make a decision on keeping Gasol — when a trade is unlikely as long as the Pera-Wallace connection is still in Memphis.
Can Ayton erase doubts about his motor and defense? Was he just bored playing in college?
I wouldn’t be mad if they drafted him; he could be another player in the Embiid, Towns, Porzingis, AD group. However, there are still concerns that are quite glaring.