The future of center play in the NBA

[SleepingHero]

However, I think a guy like Ayton would still have huge problems against athletic and quick guys. Not much less than a guy like Wood and likely even more than Powell.

Defense has never been Ayton's weakness. He's been a defensive terror as soon as he's entered the league. Heck, he made a name for himself for his ability to stay in front of quick perimeter players. 

Ayton has been lambasted by the Suns because of his offensive consistency and inability to stay "locked in" on that end. You could consider him the opposite of Wood essentially if we want to boil it down, although I'd say even on his off nights he's giving you 8-12 good high percentage points. He's disconnected with the coach and doesn't feel wanted in PHX. He just had a public blowup in the middle of the game with his coach. Mavs should be so lucky if we can grab him. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IGp16HM0hQ&ab_channel=XinProductions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVs05trUR44&ab_channel=AlexHoops

Some defense highlights. Multiple possessions where he contains guys like Morant, Lavine, Tatum, Giannis, and Luka.