Suns have big man DeAndre Ayton who can shoot and pass
Suns center Deandre Ayton looks to pass as Raptors forward Serge Ibaka, right, and guard Fred VanVleet defend during the first half of a game Friday in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Matt York
PHOENIX — Although the Suns were only 2-7 going into their game against the Nets Tuesday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena, No. 1 overall draft pick DeAndre Ayton has gotten off to a flying start. The 7-1 center, who spent one season down the road in Tucson playing at the University of Arizona, came in averaging 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
The latter number is intriguing because Ayton has shown a willingness to pass out of double-teams in the low post. Suns coach Igor Kokoskov was asked if Ayton needs to be more aggressive hunting his shot. “It’s a neat line,” Kokoskov said. “When you’re dealing with young guys, you tell them, ‘Don’t force anything. We want you to be aggressive and make good reads.’ A lot of stuff we’re doing offensively is through Ayton, so he’s going to be involved, going to get his touches.”
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson has been impressed with Ayton. “He looks like a pro,” Atkinson said. “I see his assist-to-turnover ratio is two-to-one, which is great for a young big. He doesn’t force stuff. He can pass. Obviously, he’s a talented scorer. He’s going to be a force. There’s no doubt about it.”
Net-cetera
Before the game, Atkinson was asked how former Suns favorite Jared Dudley has impacted the Nets since being traded to them July 20. “I give him an A-plus so far not only for the mentorship, but we’re obviously starting him and he’s contributing,” Atkinson said. “He doesn’t need the ball in his hands. He’s going to move it, he’s going to space the floor, he’s an intelligent defender, and I think he’s been a big help in terms of his play and then helping our young guys grow.” . . . DeMarre Carroll sat out his 11th straight game since undergoing arthroscopic ankle surgery, but Atkinson said, “I know he just had a good workout, so I’m hopeful he can play on Friday [in Denver].”
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
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