DeAndre Ayton
Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O’Neal 2.0?
Published
2 years agoon
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Joshua![Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O'Neal 2.0?](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-nba-playoffs-dallas-mavericks-v-phoenix-suns.jpeg)
Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O’Neal 2.0?
Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O’Neal 2.0?
People reading this headline is probably thinking to themselves, “why would anyone in their right mind think Ayton is comparable and/or the same as Shaq?” Not a bad question to ask, as I’ve asked the same. However, there are many similar paths and traits these two big-men possess. For example, they both played for their drafted teams for four seasons and went to the NBA Finals. They lost and that pretty much derailed their time with the organization.
Big deal, why would anyone make the assumption that Deandre Ayton is Shaquille O’Neal 2.0? They share the same path (in many ways), were mix feelings by the fanbase of their drafted team, skill-set is similar in many ways, and things along those lines.
In today’s article, I will be breaking down why Ayton may just be Shaq 2.0 and if that means he can win a championship like Shaq did when he left Orlando for Los Angeles.
First up, their beginnings after the NBA Draft.
The beginning journey of Ayton/Shaq:
The 1992 NBA Draft and the 2018 NBA Draft showed a lot of potential for guys, but what made it unique? The top three picks were sealed, locked-in and ready to go. In ’92, Shaq led the way by being the first-overall pick. In ’18, Ayton led the way by being the first-overall pick. Both were about 20-years-old as they stood out as the top guys to get, cornerstone pieces that a franchise can build off of to win a championship – or at least contend for one.
Orlando and Phoenix had the same idea in their mind, that idea? Getting this dominant, massive, good skill-set big that can make their opponents tremble when they come crashing through the lane and grabbing those boards. Both teams loved their talent, loved their energy and passion for the game, and other qualifiers. Now, it was just time to draft Shaq and draft Ayton – of which both were selected with the first-overall pick.
The draft was set up the same exact way for both classes, what do I mean? What I mean is that you had the first three picks locked in, and then it trickled down to other talented guys later in the first. In some ways, both draft classes are mirrored exactly because of the order guys went in and how much talent (and years played) was spread across the board.
Why is the draft so important to note?
You can already see the similarities in mindsets of the teams involved, player’s age, player’s talents, what teams wanted the former first-overall picks to accomplish and do within the franchise, and different things like that. Plus, when you see how the draft was laid-out and how teams prepared, it is a lot like these two draft classes were one-in-the-same.
Also, I may add, coverage on these two and scouting reports on these two were very promising and that is why people and teams were led to believe these guys deserved to be the first pick in their respected draft classes. Analytics pointed towards it, teams’ needs pointed towards it, all the signs were lining up.
In a way, Shaq and Ayton were seen as the saviors to advance and push this team into contention for a title. Get this, and this proves why the draft is so important, Devin Booker and Nick Anderson needed help. Anderson was the leading player for the Magic back before Shaq came along, but they couldn’t push forward without the help of another superstar-like player. Here comes Shaq and all of a sudden the franchise, and the fanbase, believe they have found that additional superstar to push the team to higher than ever before.
Now, take this perspective in year 2018. Devin Booker is balling out, doing his thing, but he can’t take the team to the next level. So what does the Phoenix Suns think needs to happen? Get another star-like player to pair up with Devin Booker and that failing team (at the time). Both teams were failing, they needed another superstar-like player and they found that answer through a big-man.
Do you guys see how things are adding up and how things have played out through the franchise before these two big-men were selected? Want to hear another interesting fact about these two teams and the big-men?
What’s going on before the draft took place?
Before the draft rolled around, something crazy happened. The Orlando Magic went 21-61 that season. Phoenix went 19-63. Do you guys see how creepy that is that two teams with almost identical records, needed a superstar-like player in the draft, choose a big-man, and made a push for the postseason, that is something that cannot be made up.
Just think of the significance real quick. Truly mind-blowing and we are only getting to the draft to start things off.
Strange coincidence…
When both Shaquille O’Neal and Deandre Ayton went to the NBA Finals, and lost, they were both 22-years-old. They were both in their third-year of their contract. At the time of these two going to the NBA Finals and making their way through the playoffs; guess what happened? The Media and their respective franchise thought this was the year their former first-overall pick was going to go off and win them a championship.
For O’Neal and Ayton, they had the spot light put on them nationally and locally. Made incredible plays, highlight reels were happening, etc. Overall, things were happening. It could not be denied, even if you tried. The two teams were putting more trust into their franchise-stars as they were ready to compete. Both battled, both failed.
Again, for all my statistic people out there; Orlando was 57-25, Phoenix was 51-21. Almost having the identical record in terms of wins and losses, despite the Suns not competing in ten games due to league rules and policies.
For an even more strange coincidence, we had both Shaq and Ayton have a rough last season. Things seemed different within the locker room and how things translated to the court; as moments did occur, especially for Suns’ fans that do not want to be reminded of last season. Both teams did make the playoffs in their final season, but lost in brutalizing fashion. Shaq was swept and Ayton had to endure a brutal Game 7 after collapsing past Game 2 versus the Dallas Mavericks.
See how those coincidences add up? Almost like Ayton is becoming Shaq 2.0 through the journey they have endured.
The four seasons with Shaq and Ayton:
Throughout these four seasons you will note that Shaq had more stats and was more physical in a lot more situations than Ayton. However, a lot of this can come down to the Suns using Ayton in a different capacity than what the Magic did. Both men were having breakout seasons and showing tremendous upside.
“I would say Deandre Ayton. The only thing that I would like to see Deandre Ayton do is be more aggressive. Don’t be tentative. When Shaq got that ball on the post, all hell would break loose.”
https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-deandre-ayton-is-like-shaquille-oneal-on-the-orlando-magic-former-shaq-teammate-makes-bold-claim-on-the-suns-center-amidst-stalled-contract-talks/
Nick Anderson, who saw Shaq play in all four seasons with the Magic, said Ayton is most likely the closest thing we have to a modern-day Shaq. You can understand why he said that and you can agree-to-disagree with him; or just take a side and stick with it. Shaq was very different, more commanding offensively and a bit less powerful defensively. However, where you can start to draw the comparisons would be through strength, athleticism, and some skills.
While not as physical as Shaq. Ayton has embodied the work of a post-player, working down-low, and potentially shooting some quick jump-shots ten-or-so feet from the basket. You saw Shaq have success in the paint, Ayton is growing and have had success in the paint. You saw Shaq hit some easy jumpers, same can be said for Ayton throughout his time with Phoenix.
They are both athletically sound and gifted. Plus, if Ayton wanted to, he could reach the heights of Shaq just by becoming more aggressive/physical with his opponents and becoming a monster to reckon within each game.
What else can be taken away from their four seasons before moving on?
Deandre Ayton and Shaquille O’Neal both improved in each season. That is the truth as they both became a double-double machine with great upsides for their respective franchise. Also, both have proven to be winning pieces that have proven their worth as a former first-overall pick. Despite all the failing their teams had in the beginning before success happened; they were rocking-and-rolling, without fail.
The two athletic big-men were just that good and proved it in the postseason. Not a lot of teams could stop Shaq and Ayton, that is the scary part. Something to think about when you see a huge big-man charging your way about to lay that ball into the basket.
Overall, when looking at each other’s four seasons, you can see a lot of similarities. For sure. The way they began and the way they are exiting is almost one-in-the-same. Things were great in the beginning, but towards the end relationships were being soured on and priorities changed. That is a life within the NBA and in life in general.
Concluding the “Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O’Neal 2.0?” Section
The interesting history is there to look up further and to reread again. Ayton, in my mind, is Shaq 2.0 when you see the journey both men have taken early on in their career. Ayton wants to be valued more, same goes for Shaq when he left Orlando for the Lakers. You saw both men get better and better with each passing season under their rookie contract. This is a fair comparison when you look at the almost identical beginnings of Shaq and Ayton, and just looking at things from the NBA Draft.
While you can argue Shaq is better than Ayton, especially in his Orlando-days, that is true, however, the main intent of this article was to show the similarities both big-men have over their teams, where that has taken them, interesting facts that can’t be denied, etc.
Skills-wise, Ayton is not there. In the journey, yes. Yes a thousand times over, why? Due to the fact that Ayton started out in the draft like Shaq. The respective drafts are very comparable and looks almost the same in talent, etc. Then you go down to the ages, the same ages, of when they got drafted and went to the NBA Finals. Plus, to make things even more interesting, not only were they the same age but in the same year under their rookie contract. Talk about craziness.
Share this with friends, family, and even strangers as this is a fun piece to look at to get a really good conspiracy theory going about the second-coming of Shaq – if you wanted to put it that way. In the end, we could be seeing Shaq 2.0. Would people get upset about that, especially if the next team he goes and joins has to prosper that? Not at all. It would be incredible and they would be lucky to have his services to their full disposal.
Thank you guys for reading this, and I want to get one thing cleared up before you click off.
Ayton is most likely not staying with the Suns
Most likely he is going to go to the Pacers or another team that is interested in him. The Suns could have given him the max offer two seasons ago, or even this past season. However, they opted not to give him it. From that point on, they have been trying to find a new team to dish him off to.
So when taking into consideration the odds of him being like Shaq and stuff; I factored this into it because there is a higher probability of him going to the Pacers than him staying with the Suns. My take on it as things have been cooking up since Brogdon’s trade became official and they have more money to go through a sign-and-trade to get their franchise-star.
Plus, go check out our podcast episodes as you can see where this would benefit the Pacers a lot. Also, it would benefit the player too. It gives more Shaq qualities to the situation as he goes, becomes number one option in many respects, and now can be paired up with Tyrese Haliburton. You can see the Shaq comparisons grow as this would give him a chance to become a mini-Shaq. So, go check out the podcast episodes detailing that all for more on Ayton, Pacers, Nets, Suns, etc.
Is Deandre Ayton Shaquille O’Neal 2.0?
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DeAndre Ayton
Deandre Ayton: I Can Feel The Whole World Hating Me
Published
1 year agoon
July 21, 2023By
Joshua![Deandre Ayton: I Can Feel The Whole World Hating Me](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/https-thunderousintentions.com-wp-content-uploads-getty-images-2017-07-1465043484-scaled-1.jpeg)
Deandre Ayton: I Can Feel The Whole World Hating Me
Deandre Ayton: I Can Feel The Whole World Hating Me
It appears Deandre Ayton is set to return to the Phoenix Suns after it felt his time has ended with the organization and fanbase almost hoping for him to be gone.
With that said, Frank Vogel and the Suns still believe in Ayton and it appears Ayton wants to get better and prove why he’s on the Phoenix Suns.
“I can feel the whole world hating me in a way,” Ayton said in the 37-second video clip Eyewitness News Bahamas tweeted. “I’m the guy a lot of people point at and I see it and feel it, but mainly what I’ve been working on five to six days a week since we’ve lost is just motivating myself to change the narrative of what people think about me. No matter you put it, I feel like I have no fans out there and I can feel it because the whole world is saying it. My goal is over the summer is to change the narrative. Just unlock whatever it is and just completely just focus on me and change the whole thing.”
While many still don’t believe Ayton will change, there is optimism within the organization and some across the fanbase that something can be sparked within Deandre Ayton.
Deandre Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game last season.
Deandre Ayton is ready to change the narrative, he’s ready to prove himself to The Valley and to the world!
— CourtSideHeat (@courtsideheat) July 19, 2023
“No matter you put it, I feel like I have no fans out there and I can feel it because the whole world is saying it. My goal is over the summer is to change the… pic.twitter.com/TneFCXUoXI
DeAndre Ayton
Mavericks’ Interest In Deandre Ayton “Overstated”
Published
1 year agoon
May 20, 2023By
Joshua![Mavericks' Interest In Deandre Ayton "Overstated"](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/19751550-scaled-1.jpeg)
Mavericks’ Interest In Deandre Ayton “Overstated”
Mavericks’ Interest In Deandre Ayton “Overstated”
Per Marc Stein, at this point in time, the trade value the Mavericks have for Deandre Ayton has been “overstated at this point”.
“I don’t get any sense at this juncture that Ayton is Dallas’ top trade target,” added Stein.
While the Suns are actively shopping the center, Dallas will not be jumping through hoops to acquire him. It appears the Mavericks have other plans in mind for this offseason.
DeAndre Ayton
What Can The Suns Get For Deandre Ayton?
Published
1 year agoon
May 16, 2023By
Joshua![What Can The Suns Get For Deandre Ayton?](https://courtsideheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nba-player-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-z7ljx2y5m3mcgjwn.jpeg)
What Can The Suns Get For Deandre Ayton?
What Can The Suns Get For Deandre Ayton?
His value has been up and down since the beginning of the season; truthfully, it has been shaky since he signed the extension with the Suns.
Many have praised and criticized the 24-year-old center for his work ethic, his impact on the team, and everything else wrapped into his game.
While his effort and physicality have been criticized, the way Deandre Ayton efficiently scores 18 points and secures 10 rebounds per game does not go unnoticed. With those positives, teams (like the Bulls and Mavericks) have lined up and begun to show interest in the possibility of trading for Ayton.
Phoenix is testing the waters and has not fully committed to either trading him or not, but what if they did trade him? What would his value look like in a trade package?
These are the best mock trades that are realistic and beneficial to the Phoenix Suns.
Number #1, Dallas Mavericks featuring Kyrie Irving:
The Mavericks trade:
- Kyrie Irving
- 2025 first-rounder
The Suns’ trade:
- Deandre Ayton
- Cam Payne
- 2025 second-rounder
This deal would be very beneficial for the Suns as they have their new point guard for the future. Kyrie Irving is only 31 years old, which isn’t bad considering the elite level of play he maintains and the fact Chris Paul is seven years older than him.
Phoenix would have a new big-3 established with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving leading the charge in hopes of securing an NBA championship.
The Suns can trade away Cam Payne and allow Chris Paul to be the backup, and now the offense can be balanced and the team can be more ready come May. Also, Payne is heading into the final year of his contract, better to offload now than having to deal with it when he’s an unrestricted free agent.
The odds of the Suns winning a championship will surely increase as now they have better shooting, playmaking, and (partially) defense. However, the defense is not going to be worried about it. Fans will come to expect them to find a solid center and a quality small forward, if not keeping Josh Okogie as the starter.
This is a win-win for everyone as Paul can continue playing for the Suns, benefit the bench, and the starting unit has strengthened dramatically.
Number #2, Dallas Mavericks featuring Christian Wood/Reggie Bullock:
The Mavericks trade:
- Reggie Bullock
- Christian Wood
- 2025 first-rounder
The Suns’ trade:
- Deandre Ayton
- Landry Shamet
- 2025 second-rounder
Maybe the Suns don’t want to eat the massive contract of Kyrie Irving and maybe he is not a good idea for the Suns; there are doubts as Phoenix could want a big man that is an upgraded version of Ayton and a forward that brings intensity and absolutely crushing defense.
Christian Wood, while not fitting well within the system of Jason Kidd, could be on the Suns’ radar of players to acquire. Wood is an absolute beast defensively and offensively, he’s the type of player to give a team 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. When he was with the Rockets he proved that to be the case; Dallas was not the greatest showcase because of how dysfunctional that team was.
Overall, Wood is a consistent shooter from the paint all the way to the three-point line. His ability to knock down threes is something the Suns desperately need, a big lacking part in last season. Plus, the NBA has transitioned away from traditional centers (like Ayton) to centers that shoot the ball from anywhere on the court (Brook Lopez, Wood).
Ayton is not as nearly as talented as Wood and the Suns would benefit greatly from his offense and defense.
What about Reggie Bullock?
Reggie Bullock is one heck of a defensive player that can give the Suns much-needed physicality and defense-to-offense transitions. It goes beyond the stats with Bullock as his defensive play was loved by everyone when he was with the New York Knicks and up to the present times with Dallas.
He is a consistent player that will give you quality minutes that are beyond impactful. He is the older version of Josh Okogie that is a little more refined and skillful to get the job done. Could you all imagine the damage he can do if he and Okogie teamed up?
Phoenix would be unstoppable from the starting unit to the bench, which is something they severely lacked this past season.
Number #3, Charlotte Hornets featuring Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward:
The Hornets trade:
- Gordon Hayward
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- Terry Rozier
- 2026 first-rounder
The Suns’ trade:
- Deandre Ayton
- Chris Paul
By trading away both Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, the Phoenix Suns would be able to clear up much-needed space; plus, by shipping away those two players, Phoenix finds their starting point guard with much-needed depth being added.
Terry Rozier can be that playmaking point guard who doesn’t need to score to be effective, which was a concern many had when formulating a big-3 in Phoenix. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are growing, and already, know how to play together. Even if you had Rozier, it is only going to strengthen the relationship of this team and the production of this team.
Despite the age of Hayward and his injuries, he is a solid player when healthy. Give him some quality minutes and he will become a good two-way the Suns have been looking for since last year’s offseason.
His tenure with Charlotte has been rocky due to the Hornets being a rocky franchise, one of the worst in the league since trading Kemba Walker. With that being said, Hayward is a very reliable bench player that would fit the culture and system of the Phoenix Suns.
Dennis Smith Jr. is also a beneficial player for the Suns, how so? He’s maturing each season as a point guard, can play off the dribble, has shown capabilities of making the right play, is athletic, and can score off the bench nicely for the Suns.
In this deal, the Suns are gaining depth players and a starting point guard. These are areas of concern for the Suns and they may look to the Hornets to try to conquer their needs/wants.
Conclusion of this article:
The value of Deandre Ayton is there and I believe the market will treat him well. Ayton has talent, but, for whatever reason, isn’t clicking and transitioning well in Phoenix.
Trading Ayton may be the best for both sides, even with Monty Williams fired as their head coach. Chicago, Dallas, and even Charlotte can use the big man and value him more than the Suns have valued him.
Personally, the mock trade I like the most is the second one with the Dallas Mavericks. I would love for the Suns to accomplish offense and defense in that deal, plus receive interesting draft compensation as well.
While Kyrie would be great to have, I believe Phoenix’s success lies in getting a solid center and forward that is experienced and can meet the needs of the Suns. Why wouldn’t you want to have a nearly all-around center and defensive-minded forward? To me, that is where the gold is at involving Ayton and others.
This offseason is going to be very interesting with all the league’s teams, however, Phoenix will be closely monitored by many. It is going to be exciting, and nerve-wracking, times for their fanbase.
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