NBA Draft: Deandre Ayton has the skill-set to be the next generational big man

In an NBA Draft class full of talented bigs Arizona freshman Deandre Ayton is the definitive top ranked prospect.

The current NBA trio of star bigs have reason to be concerned NBA Draft top prospect Deandre Ayton could end up as the best center of their era. Deandre Ayton resides at the top of most national prospect ranking lists. First of all, this position is well deserved as the Arizona center defines what most in the business consider necessary from big men in the new era of basketball.

If last year’s draft was chock full of talent rich guards, then 2018 is the year of the big man and Ayton is best of this group.

Generational big man:

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Yet, his selection as the top pick isn’t a foregone conclusion given a couple of factors. First of all, his greatest competition comes from a player who may well be the next great European player of his generation.

Luka Doncic for some, is the type of player you cannot ignore, but so too is a big of Ayton’s prowess.

Consequently, three other bigs are making things interesting at the top of the board. That’s because Marvin Bagley III and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s workouts and interviews are lending credence to their long term potential.

And, there is Mohamed Bamba who delivered such jaw dropping measurements at the combine the top three spots are in constant flux. One thing is certain, most lotteries will shift until the final moments. Need I remind, neither Michael Jordan or Kevin Durant were the top picks of their class.

With that, let’s dive into Deandre Ayton and examine why he’s earned the accolades as the best big in a draft laden with talented bigs.

Specifics:

Height:  7-foot

Weight: 243 pounds

Wingspan: 7’44 inches

Position: Center

Age: 19.8

College:  Arizona Wildcats, freshman

Home Town: Nassau, Bahamas

Stat-line (per game):

• Points: 20.1
• Rebounds: 11.6
• Assists: 1.6
• Blocks: 1.9
• Field Goal Shooting Efficiency:  61.2 percent
• Perimeter Shooting Efficiency: 34.3 percent
• Free Throw Shooting Efficiency: 73.3 percent