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Pretty significant improvement this season. I think Monty and Mark Bryant has been great for Ayton

This is fun to watch. If he continues to progress like this on defense, watch out.

Saw this on reddit.. lots of good defensive possessions against guys like Siakam, Kawhi, Tatum, Porzingis.. etc.

This is a far critique and people here have basically said the same thing. I do think his offensive style is completely fixable though so that's a positive.

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WeekapaugGroove wrote:

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This is a far critique and people here have basically said the same thing. I do think his offensive style is completely fixable though so that's a positive.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I don’t think Ayton will ever be a big man that goes to the FT line a lot. It sucks because this is the best way to get opposing teams in foul trouble easily.

You need to a certain level of a physicality to draw fouls and Ayton’s game is obviously more finesse than strength oriented. This can actually be a good thing too because if you notice, many of the guys who don’t have more of a finesse style are the ones who are more injury prone.

But it is what it is, we can’t expect him to suddenly become a C that wants to absorb contact and enjoy physical play. It’s just not who he is. He can still be a very effective C without it.

Revived wrote:

WeekapaugGroove wrote:

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This is a far critique and people here have basically said the same thing. I do think his offensive style is completely fixable though so that's a positive.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I don’t think Ayton will ever be a big man that goes to the FT line a lot. It sucks because this is the best way to get opposing teams in foul trouble easily.

You need to a certain level of a physicality to draw fouls and Ayton’s game is obviously more finesse than strength oriented. This can actually be a good thing too because if you notice, many of the guys who don’t have more of a finesse style are the ones who are more injury prone.

But it is what it is, we can’t expect him to suddenly become a C that wants to absorb contact and enjoy physical play. It’s just not who he is. He can still be a very effective C without it.

Yeah, Deandre just doesn't make contact very much on either end. He doesn't move with the force and strength you'd expect from a guy his size, because he's so light on his toes, not low to the ground at all. His twinkle toes are what allow him to defend the perimeter so effectively and yet avoid defensive fouls.

So much of this game are about your physical gifts. Amare, for example, was so explosive, and as little time as he needed to load up to get vertical relative to other guys his size, he still needed to load up. Ayton doesn't need to load up because of his height, which is what allows him to be a more effective defender than Amare. But if Ayton explodes, say, on the break, his torso is just too long. He risks getting laid out. He's not compact like Amare (or for more striking examples, Zion or Lebron) or are all limbs like Giannis. So the tack he's taken on both ends seems to be to just get high and avoid contact.

Perhaps as Deandre gets cleverer, shoots better, and strengthens over time, he'll learn to bait defenders and draw some fouls. But my guess is that as he adds size and wisdom, so too will he slow down a bit. What he gains on offense may or may not fully make up for what he loses on defense.

SO I agree entirely, he can still be a very effective C without it.

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Great company for sure! Ayton is going to be special!!!

Ghost of Kleine wrote:

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Great company for sure! Ayton is going to be special!!!

Even better if you add in blocks

Let’s go Middys!

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I think I care more about him improving his handle and comfort driving than a 3. Getting to the basket from the elbow and getting contact is more important to me.

Saberestar wrote:

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Maaaan it is nice listening to Deandre talk basketball. We so rarely hear him. Didn't realize how much thought he puts into the game. Awesome.

Good to know Ayton knows Luka's game better than 90% of the league. Smart guy. As mentioned in the draft thread those videos with Schmitz are great to see how a player thinks about the game.

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Very cool!
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