06-27-2023, 05:05 PM
(06-27-2023, 04:30 PM)Ghost of Podkolzin Wrote: OK, so how should he have performed against Powell 2 years ago? Did he punish us? Did we have to worry about him and not double CP3? I really thought Ayton was going to eat us up. Shame on PHX for matching IND after that instead of taking Turner+ in exchange.
First of all. Maxi was the primary matchup. Ayton was efficient but the volume wasn´t anywhere close to what it should have been considering that he was shooting nearly 60% from the floor. But as Killerleft already stated. He isn´t a post scorer and relies on guards to create for him. Can score in the pick and roll/pop (midrange).
Looking at the defensive end he was the only guy on the Suns roster that wasn´t getting cooked in isolation against Luka. What would you say if I told you that among all players that defended more than 20 FGA from Luka in the playoffs no one (including Jazz and Warriors) held Luka to a lower FG%.
Or to play your favorit game of selective sample sizes. What about the first round against the Pelicans. 20/10 on 70% from the field. Doesn´t count because it doesn´t fit into the narrative of Ayton´s steady decline?
Not even all that interested in the Ayton topic but the narratives that are being pushed are ridiculous. Suns needed a scapegoat. CP3 and Bridges played worse but Ayton took most of the blame. There´s legit criticism. For example his limited offensive move set or inability to punish mismatches. And obviously a lack of consistent effort on the defensive end and the boards. But there is also a lot to like. Especially if the asking price is as low as the trade talks between the Mavs and Suns suggest.