2:24pm: Speaking today to reporters, including Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic (Twitter link), Ayton said that the Suns workout is the only one on his schedule. Bordow (Twitter link) believes that’s a strong sign that Phoenix will take Ayton first overall, and the young center agrees, telling reporters that he “knows” he’s going No. 1 (link via Bob Baum of The Associated Press).
For his part, GM Ryan McDonough had nothing but praise for the former Arizona star.
“We’ve been looking for a center to kind of anchor our team offensively and defensively,” McDonough said, per Bordow (Twitter link). “We think Deandre has that kind of potential.”
8:31am: The frontrunner to be picked first overall in this year’s draft will work out for the team holding the No. 1 pick on Wednesday. According to a press release, the Suns are hosting Arizona big man Deandre Ayton for an individual workout.
Ayton isn’t an absolute lock to be Phoenix’s pick at No. 1 on June 21 — the club has said it’s considering a “handful” of players with that selection. Still, the 19-year-old center is the odds-on favorite to come off the board first, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony writing in his latest mock draft that the Suns “appear to be locked into Ayton.”
In his first and only season with the Wildcats, Ayton averaged a double-double, posting 20.1 PPG and 11.6 RPG to go along with 1.9 BPG. He also shot 61.2% from the field and even made the occasional three-pointer (34.3%).
Unlike Ayton, Luka Doncic – another strong candidate for that No. 1 spot – won’t work out for NBA teams this month, since he’s still participating in the ACB postseason in Europe with Real Madrid. While the Suns won’t get a first-hand look at Doncic leading up to the draft, new head coach Igor Kokoskov knows him well, having coached the youngster on the Slovenian national team.
It remains unclear whether Ayton, as 2018’s potential top pick, will work out with any teams beyond the Suns.
Small world when the suns have connections to both potential top picks. Do you draft the European your new coach not only knows but likes, or do you draft the potential star from your back yard? Personally I would take ayton if I was them, but the top pick in the draft is rarely the best player of the draft so who knows who they should really take.
Bagley is from here also, is more experienced against a tougher schedule and bigger than Ayton with better numbers.
Bagley’s bigger than Ayton? And what about Bagley’s complete inability to defend? This is a hot take.
Ayton is bigger than Bagley height wise. Ayton is 7’1 almost 7’2 and is roughly 250lbs. Bagley is 6’11 and weighs 235lbs.
Suns GM be like and this will be your locker next year.
Wonder what Suns would have to offer to get back in the lotto to grab Doncic? Booker/Jackson the only untouchables right?
They have just as much odds as everyone else to land a Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi, Greek Freak, etc.. where the stand in the teens.
I like… at least 10 players in this draft. This should be one of the best draft classes ever, a lot of talent here. However, Gotta go Ayton #1 for the Suns bc its need plus talent. If Porter was 100% I’d go Porter all day every day. But Ayton is a 2 way true center with range. Bagley is more of a 4 that can play the 5, he has more of a handle. Depends on what you want or need. Booker dominates the ball already. Ayton will get position on the post and get boards better than Bagley.
And defend his position. Bagley’s weakness as a defender cannot be overstated.
Yea, he hasnt grown into his body yet. Not as physical.
Ayton should be the guy, no doubt bout it. I think Bagley will end up being the best player out of the two though. Rest assured, both will be superstars.
I really like both. Superstars on the making.
I mean Ayton & Bagley.
Ayton and Bagley aren’t in the same category in terms of size. Ayton is much bigger. Height and weight are not the measuring sticks for NBA prospect size. It’s length (wingspan/ standing reach) and frame. Based on this, Ayton is a big 5, and Bagley is a moderately sized 4. Bagley is a better player now (certainly offensively), and is about as developed as a big kid can be these days with all the hurdles. That’s a good thing, but not if you assume all prospects have the same upside from where they currently are. Bagley will never be a true 5 in the NBA, at least not one that can protect the rim or even the paint.