DeAndre Ayton

[SportsGuy8]

He just ... doesn't look smooth at all to me when making moves (while posting up, for example). I expect serious problems vs. better, more competent competition. He seems like one of those players who keep repeating practice moves, with no really awareness. That works vs. competition like this, but not against smart defenders. I expect to see lots of turnovers and/or terrible shots vs. players who are going to read him well. And if he ends up being good enough to be featured on scouting reports, that's going to lead to major problems.

I still expect him to end up being a decent player, but I seriously think he lacks awareness and understanding of the game to be special.

A team is going to draft him very high in hopes he severely improves those aspects with age and maturity, but that very rarely happens (we mostly only see regular yearly improvements, but nothing dramatic).

[DirtyDez]

He just ... doesn't look smooth at all to me when making moves (while posting up, for example). I expect serious problems vs. better, more competent competition. He seems like one of those players who keep repeating practice moves, with no really awareness. That works vs. competition like this, but not against smart defenders. I expect to see lots of turnovers and/or terrible shots vs. players who are going to read him well. And if he ends up being good enough to be featured on scouting reports, that's going to lead to major problems.

I still expect him to end up being a decent player, but I seriously think he lacks awareness and understanding of the game to be special.

A team is going to draft him very high in hopes he severely improves those aspects with age and maturity, but that very rarely happens (we mostly only see regular yearly improvements, but nothing dramatic).

He's been smooth enough but I never expected him to be Hakeem. I've been impressed with his passing of late. This was game #8.

[No-Man]

His passing out of the post is real nice, this game didn't really show me something new, the spin moves were amazing and he was a bit better going at blocks but he also left the offensive glass open a ton, so it's a give and take.

Still haven't seen him handling it for a long period of time, only out of the midpost and with really simple and quick moves to only get to the basket, not passing on the move not going to a pull-up from the dribble.

Not really much handling in the perimeter either, his shooting is just difficult to judge, shoots a lot of long jumpers but I am not sure if he is going to be good there, super flat jumper, feels always like it's going to brick, his mechanics are fine and has solid touch around the hoop, but his shooting is still flawed to me.

Overall, I don't get the fuzz from this game other than like I said those awesome spin moves, he looks like a really nice traditional big prospect with some ability to stretch the floor, but not dynamic enough to be an offensive juggernaut to me.

[King Ken]

His passing out of the post is real nice, this game didn't really show me something new, the spin moves were amazing and he was a bit better going at blocks but he also left the offensive glass open a ton, so it's a give and take.

Still haven't seen him handling it for a long period of time, only out of the midpost and with really simple and quick moves to only get to the basket, not passing on the move not going to a pull-up from the dribble.

Not really much handling in the perimeter either, his shooting is just difficult to judge, shoots a lot of long jumpers but I am not sure if he is going to be good there, super flat jumper, feels always like it's going to brick, his mechanics are fine and has solid touch around the hoop, but his shooting is still flawed to me.

Overall, I don't get the fuzz from this game other than like I said those awesome spin moves, he looks like a really nice traditional big prospect with some ability to stretch the floor, but not dynamic enough to be an offensive juggernaut to me.

He's gonna continue to improve, most of these freshman's do through the season. I will never forget how much D. Rose improved from the midpoint to the NC game.

[No-Man]

I will react accordingly if so, I'd be shocked If I see him handling the ball regularly though

[doordoor123]

His passing out of the post is real nice, this game didn't really show me something new, the spin moves were amazing and he was a bit better going at blocks but he also left the offensive glass open a ton, so it's a give and take.

Still haven't seen him handling it for a long period of time, only out of the midpost and with really simple and quick moves to only get to the basket, not passing on the move not going to a pull-up from the dribble.

Not really much handling in the perimeter either, his shooting is just difficult to judge, shoots a lot of long jumpers but I am not sure if he is going to be good there, super flat jumper, feels always like it's going to brick, his mechanics are fine and has solid touch around the hoop, but his shooting is still flawed to me.

Overall, I don't get the fuzz from this game other than like I said those awesome spin moves, he looks like a really nice traditional big prospect with some ability to stretch the floor, but not dynamic enough to be an offensive juggernaut to me.

I think with Ayton you have to question what he can do in the future, not necessarily right now. Those flashes (like the spin moves) are the tip of the iceberg that NBA guys will be able to tap into. I’m honestly pretty up and down with Ayton because you can see stuff that can give him an edge in the NBA there, like consistency, which is translatable. He constantly has big games and that will translate at some level. Skill or not, if he can make numbers happen at a constant rate, he should be able to do that in the NBA. At the same time he has holes in his game and I wonder if some coaches would even allow him to be on the floor without fixing those issues.

The one constant thing I look at with Ayton is his projection. If he develops, can he be a superstar? Or an all-star? Maybe he’s a starter, or a back up. I’ll say one thing, he’s going to benefit a lot from more space, from the up and down style of the NBA and from all the pick and rolls/pops he’s going to be on the receiving end of. Offensively, I could see him becoming a really good player, but only limited by how much confidence he has and how much he’ll think the game/adjust to match-ups.

[doordoor123]

Ayton is so fluid. He just looks lost, like he doesn’t know basic things he needs to know and he looks like he’s not strong at all. His positioning on defense is just terrible and he’s 7’2, with a huge wingspan yet he takes so many shots away from the basket. To me, he looks like a product of the terrible AAU system. I want him to go to an NBA team with a really tough coach because I think that’s where he’ll find the most success. I seriously question his IQ and feel for the game, but my guess is that it’s just youth. He doesn’t know how to utilize his talents and doesn’t have self-awareness beyond basketball. He’ll become worthy of a top 5 pick in time, but he has to figure himself out and live in the weight room. I wish he wasn’t a top 5 pick because he could do wonders staying in college a couple years.

I said the same thing about Kelly Oubre when he was drafted and Oubre only last year started to get comfortable. I still think Oubre is going to be better than Winslow and Johnson. Ayton probably has more potential though.

[CptCrunch]

Ayton is so fluid. He just looks lost, like he doesn’t know basic things he needs to know and he looks like he’s not strong at all. His positioning on defense is just terrible and he’s 7’2, with a huge wingspan yet he takes so many shots away from the basket. To me, he looks like a product of the terrible AAU system. I want him to go to an NBA team with a really tough coach because I think that’s where he’ll find the most success. I seriously question his IQ and feel for the game, but my guess is that it’s just youth. He doesn’t know how to utilize his talents and doesn’t have self-awareness beyond basketball. He’ll become worthy of a top 5 pick in time, but he has to figure himself out and live in the weight room. I wish he wasn’t a top 5 pick because he could do wonders staying in college a couple years.

I said the same thing about Kelly Oubre when he was drafted and Oubre only last year started to get comfortable. I still think Oubre is going to be better than Winslow and Johnson. Ayton probably has more potential though.

College doesn't help players. It just serves to mitigate risks by giving teams more time to scout these players (and see if they improve). NBA coaching and training will help him more than one year in college (but if he is dumb as a rock and lacks defensive instincts, that team is stuck). If better coaching and training makes him a decent defensive player, then bingo, the team just won.

[doordoor123]

Ayton is so fluid. He just looks lost, like he doesn’t know basic things he needs to know and he looks like he’s not strong at all. His positioning on defense is just terrible and he’s 7’2, with a huge wingspan yet he takes so many shots away from the basket. To me, he looks like a product of the terrible AAU system. I want him to go to an NBA team with a really tough coach because I think that’s where he’ll find the most success. I seriously question his IQ and feel for the game, but my guess is that it’s just youth. He doesn’t know how to utilize his talents and doesn’t have self-awareness beyond basketball. He’ll become worthy of a top 5 pick in time, but he has to figure himself out and live in the weight room. I wish he wasn’t a top 5 pick because he could do wonders staying in college a couple years.

I said the same thing about Kelly Oubre when he was drafted and Oubre only last year started to get comfortable. I still think Oubre is going to be better than Winslow and Johnson. Ayton probably has more potential though.

College doesn't help player. It just serves to mitigate risks by giving teams more time to scout these players (and see if they improve). NBA coaching and training will help him more than one year in college (but he is dumb as a rock and lacks defensive instincts, that team is stuck). If better coaching and training makes him a decent defensive player, then bingo, the team just won.

Yeah, you’re right. I’m just afraid Ayton is going to foul way too much in the NBA and won’t even be able to get playing time.

[King Ken]

His passing out of the post is real nice, this game didn't really show me something new, the spin moves were amazing and he was a bit better going at blocks but he also left the offensive glass open a ton, so it's a give and take.

Still haven't seen him handling it for a long period of time, only out of the midpost and with really simple and quick moves to only get to the basket, not passing on the move not going to a pull-up from the dribble.

Not really much handling in the perimeter either, his shooting is just difficult to judge, shoots a lot of long jumpers but I am not sure if he is going to be good there, super flat jumper, feels always like it's going to brick, his mechanics are fine and has solid touch around the hoop, but his shooting is still flawed to me.

Overall, I don't get the fuzz from this game other than like I said those awesome spin moves, he looks like a really nice traditional big prospect with some ability to stretch the floor, but not dynamic enough to be an offensive juggernaut to me.

I think with Ayton you have to question what he can do in the future, not necessarily right now. Those flashes (like the spin moves) are the tip of the iceberg that NBA guys will be able to tap into. I’m honestly pretty up and down with Ayton because you can see stuff that can give him an edge in the NBA there, like consistency, which is translatable. He constantly has big games and that will translate at some level. Skill or not, if he can make numbers happen at a constant rate, he should be able to do that in the NBA. At the same time he has holes in his game and I wonder if some coaches would even allow him to be on the floor without fixing those issues.

The one constant thing I look at with Ayton is his projection. If he develops, can he be a superstar? Or an all-star? Maybe he’s a starter, or a back up. I’ll say one thing, he’s going to benefit a lot from more space, from the up and down style of the NBA and from all the pick and rolls/pops he’s going to be on the receiving end of. Offensively, I could see him becoming a really good player, but only limited by how much confidence he has and how much he’ll think the game/adjust to match-ups.

I can't see him starting for the Hawks next year. I can see him being a 20-24MPG player till he understands the system and his role. Once he does, he will be our best player by a mile. Same for Bamba but add a year on top of that. Bamba has a lot more to learn especially skills wise but mentally, he's better than Ayton right now and probably forever.

[doordoor123]

His passing out of the post is real nice, this game didn't really show me something new, the spin moves were amazing and he was a bit better going at blocks but he also left the offensive glass open a ton, so it's a give and take.

Still haven't seen him handling it for a long period of time, only out of the midpost and with really simple and quick moves to only get to the basket, not passing on the move not going to a pull-up from the dribble.

Not really much handling in the perimeter either, his shooting is just difficult to judge, shoots a lot of long jumpers but I am not sure if he is going to be good there, super flat jumper, feels always like it's going to brick, his mechanics are fine and has solid touch around the hoop, but his shooting is still flawed to me.

Overall, I don't get the fuzz from this game other than like I said those awesome spin moves, he looks like a really nice traditional big prospect with some ability to stretch the floor, but not dynamic enough to be an offensive juggernaut to me.

I think with Ayton you have to question what he can do in the future, not necessarily right now. Those flashes (like the spin moves) are the tip of the iceberg that NBA guys will be able to tap into. I’m honestly pretty up and down with Ayton because you can see stuff that can give him an edge in the NBA there, like consistency, which is translatable. He constantly has big games and that will translate at some level. Skill or not, if he can make numbers happen at a constant rate, he should be able to do that in the NBA. At the same time he has holes in his game and I wonder if some coaches would even allow him to be on the floor without fixing those issues.

The one constant thing I look at with Ayton is his projection. If he develops, can he be a superstar? Or an all-star? Maybe he’s a starter, or a back up. I’ll say one thing, he’s going to benefit a lot from more space, from the up and down style of the NBA and from all the pick and rolls/pops he’s going to be on the receiving end of. Offensively, I could see him becoming a really good player, but only limited by how much confidence he has and how much he’ll think the game/adjust to match-ups.

I can't see him starting for the Hawks next year. I can see him being a 20-24MPG player till he understands the system and his role. Once he does, he will be our best player by a mile. Same for Bamba but add a year on top of that. Bamba has a lot more to learn especially skills wise but mentally, he's better than Ayton right now and probably forever.

They have different issues, but I’m more sure of Ayton because he has more translatable ability that isn’t only inferior defense. I don’t think Ayton will avoid getting fouls called without gaining a bunch of weight and strength. I also think gaining weight and strength will improve his all-around game. I really don’t think he will be very effective or get many minutes till he’s like three years into the NBA. Bamba is lucky the most teams really need interior defense and could get minutes sooner.

[King Ken]

I think with Ayton you have to question what he can do in the future, not necessarily right now. Those flashes (like the spin moves) are the tip of the iceberg that NBA guys will be able to tap into. I’m honestly pretty up and down with Ayton because you can see stuff that can give him an edge in the NBA there, like consistency, which is translatable. He constantly has big games and that will translate at some level. Skill or not, if he can make numbers happen at a constant rate, he should be able to do that in the NBA. At the same time he has holes in his game and I wonder if some coaches would even allow him to be on the floor without fixing those issues.

The one constant thing I look at with Ayton is his projection. If he develops, can he be a superstar? Or an all-star? Maybe he’s a starter, or a back up. I’ll say one thing, he’s going to benefit a lot from more space, from the up and down style of the NBA and from all the pick and rolls/pops he’s going to be on the receiving end of. Offensively, I could see him becoming a really good player, but only limited by how much confidence he has and how much he’ll think the game/adjust to match-ups.

I can't see him starting for the Hawks next year. I can see him being a 20-24MPG player till he understands the system and his role. Once he does, he will be our best player by a mile. Same for Bamba but add a year on top of that. Bamba has a lot more to learn especially skills wise but mentally, he's better than Ayton right now and probably forever.

They have different issues, but I’m more sure of Ayton because he has more translatable ability that isn’t only inferior defense. I don’t think Ayton will avoid getting fouls called without gaining a bunch of weight and strength. I also think gaining weight and strength will improve his all-around game. I really don’t think he will be very effective or get many minutes till he’s like three years into the NBA. Bamba is lucky the most teams really need interior defense and could get minutes sooner.

Ayton and Bamba have a lot of translatable abilities. It's their weaknesses that's a bit of the problem. These two are as special of bigs we have seen enter the NBA in awhile considering their freshman.

[doordoor123]

I can't see him starting for the Hawks next year. I can see him being a 20-24MPG player till he understands the system and his role. Once he does, he will be our best player by a mile. Same for Bamba but add a year on top of that. Bamba has a lot more to learn especially skills wise but mentally, he's better than Ayton right now and probably forever.

They have different issues, but I’m more sure of Ayton because he has more translatable ability that isn’t only inferior defense. I don’t think Ayton will avoid getting fouls called without gaining a bunch of weight and strength. I also think gaining weight and strength will improve his all-around game. I really don’t think he will be very effective or get many minutes till he’s like three years into the NBA. Bamba is lucky the most teams really need interior defense and could get minutes sooner.

Ayton and Bamba have a lot of translatable abilities. It's their weaknesses that's a bit of the problem. These two are as special of bigs we have seen enter the NBA in awhile considering their freshman.

I disagree with Bamba. Can’t shoot, can’t post, can’t P&R and gets exhausted quickly. The only thing that translates for him is interior defense. The NBA is going to be too quick and too strong for him. Ayton has mobility, he can run with NBA players. He has a jump shot and he has NBA moves next to the basket.

[King Ken]

They have different issues, but I’m more sure of Ayton because he has more translatable ability that isn’t only inferior defense. I don’t think Ayton will avoid getting fouls called without gaining a bunch of weight and strength. I also think gaining weight and strength will improve his all-around game. I really don’t think he will be very effective or get many minutes till he’s like three years into the NBA. Bamba is lucky the most teams really need interior defense and could get minutes sooner.

Ayton and Bamba have a lot of translatable abilities. It's their weaknesses that's a bit of the problem. These two are as special of bigs we have seen enter the NBA in awhile considering their freshman.

I disagree with Bamba. Can’t shoot, can’t post, can’t P&R and gets exhausted quickly. The only thing that translates for him is interior defense. The NBA is going to be too quick and too strong for him. Ayton has mobility, he can run with NBA players. He has a jump shot and he has NBA moves next to the basket.

He has a great shooting motion and sets his feet well, he will be a good shooter as a pro with reps and development. In the post, he will be fine, good at positioning and his length will be too much to stop in the NBA when you add his functional athleticism. PnR is learned as most bigs tend to be weaker at it in college. Even a player like John Collins had away to go at it in college and looks pretty good at it in the NBA. Stamina at his size and age is always a question mark, especially considering his responsibility Shaka puts on him in that system. That said, I'll wait till the March to truly answer this question as these guys aren't in form yet.

Bamba interior defense is a WIP to me at this time. There is a lot of things he has to learn defensively as the case with most freshman centers. JJJ is the only one who has this adv. defensive ability but that's due to his upbringing having a NBA dad. Bamba is has excellent functional athleticism, I am not seeing what you are seeing. He should be more than fine athletically, it should be a strength. I am not seeing what you are seeing in part. Bamba has weaknesses, more than most of the top 5 but he has a lot of physical advantages and you seem not to see them.

[doordoor123]

Ayton and Bamba have a lot of translatable abilities. It's their weaknesses that's a bit of the problem. These two are as special of bigs we have seen enter the NBA in awhile considering their freshman.

I disagree with Bamba. Can’t shoot, can’t post, can’t P&R and gets exhausted quickly. The only thing that translates for him is interior defense. The NBA is going to be too quick and too strong for him. Ayton has mobility, he can run with NBA players. He has a jump shot and he has NBA moves next to the basket.

He has a great shooting motion and sets his feet well, he will be a good shooter as a pro with reps and development. In the post, he will be fine, good at positioning and his length will be too much to stop in the NBA when you add his functional athleticism. PnR is learned as most bigs tend to be weaker at it in college. Even a player like John Collins had away to go at it in college and looks pretty good at it in the NBA. Stamina at his size and age is always a question mark, especially considering his responsibility Shaka puts on him in that system. That said, I'll wait till the March to truly answer this question as these guys aren't in form yet.

Bamba interior defense is a WIP to me at this time. There is a lot of things he has to learn defensively as the case with most freshman centers. JJJ is the only one who has this adv. defensive ability but that's due to his upbringing having a NBA dad. Bamba is has excellent functional athleticism, I am not seeing what you are seeing. He should be more than fine athletically, it should be a strength. I am not seeing what you are seeing in part. Bamba has weaknesses, more than most of the top 5 but he has a lot of physical advantages and you seem not to see them.

I understand his physical advantages, I just don’t think they’ll be advantageous at the NBA level, where he’s playing against built up guys with big motors and teams that are running at top speed. His wingspan is incredible though. I just don’t see the mobility you see. When both Gobert and Whiteside were his age they were more mobile. And maybe it is just the Texas system. They haven’t done well with showcasing big name centers in recent years IMO.

[Kolkmania]

He has a great shooting motion and sets his feet well, he will be a good shooter as a pro with reps and development.

I'm not sure at all, his arms are almost too long to have a proper shooting motion. His lower arm is nearly parallel with the floor, there is so much motion going on that I doubt it will ever be a consistent shot.

Ayton's shot is way too flat at the moment, but I do think it's workable.

[doordoor123]

He has a great shooting motion and sets his feet well, he will be a good shooter as a pro with reps and development.

I'm not sure at all, his arms are almost too long to have a proper shooting motion. His lower arm is nearly parallel with the floor, there is so much motion going on that I doubt it will ever be a consistent shot.

Ayton's shot is way too flat at the moment, but I do think it's workable.

You’re right, it is kind of flat. It’s probably flat because he’s so freaking weak. Another reason gaining weight and strength would help him. But seriously, it’s his number one issue. He’s not strong at all.

[blazeyo]

He has a great shooting motion and sets his feet well, he will be a good shooter as a pro with reps and development.

I'm not sure at all, his arms are almost too long to have a proper shooting motion. His lower arm is nearly parallel with the floor, there is so much motion going on that I doubt it will ever be a consistent shot.

Ayton's shot is way too flat at the moment, but I do think it's workable.

You’re right, it is kind of flat. It’s probably flat because he’s so freaking weak. Another reason gaining weight and strength would help him. But seriously, it’s his number one issue. He’s not strong at all.

He said Ayton's shot is flat, not Bambas. Unless you think Ayton is weak.

[doordoor123]

I'm not sure at all, his arms are almost too long to have a proper shooting motion. His lower arm is nearly parallel with the floor, there is so much motion going on that I doubt it will ever be a consistent shot.

Ayton's shot is way too flat at the moment, but I do think it's workable.

You’re right, it is kind of flat. It’s probably flat because he’s so freaking weak. Another reason gaining weight and strength would help him. But seriously, it’s his number one issue. He’s not strong at all.

He said Ayton's shot is flat, not Bambas. Unless you think Ayton is weak.

Ayton is weak, like I said earlier. It’s one of his biggest issues. Its why he’s going to get so many fouls and not play many NBA minutes when he’s in the league. It’s that and he needs to be coached on where to stand, how to put his hands up, etc.

[blazeyo]

You’re right, it is kind of flat. It’s probably flat because he’s so freaking weak. Another reason gaining weight and strength would help him. But seriously, it’s his number one issue. He’s not strong at all.

He said Ayton's shot is flat, not Bambas. Unless you think Ayton is weak.

Ayton is weak, like I said earlier. It’s one of his biggest issues. Its why he’s going to get so many fouls and not play many NBA minutes when he’s in the league. It’s that and he needs to be coached on where to stand, how to put his hands up, etc.

How do you figure Ayton's is weak? where is he weak? weak is such a general term. What's weak about him? legs? core? shoulders?
He looks strong, he is pushing people around whenever he wants to, he pushes players off their spots wihtout much problem... I think his shot is flat because of shis form more than anything.