The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: New year, new rankings

By Christopher Kline

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
34 of 35
Next
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona

Ayton is a cyborg sent to destroy earth. At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, his frame is already NBA-ready — and then some. That, when paired with his offensive skill set, slides Ayton into the top two.

At this point, Ayton already has the tools needed to be a team’s focal point on both ends. He’s extremely skilled offensively, showing a consistent stroke from mid-range while using his strength and advanced footwork to carve out space and score around the rim. He’s also a good passer out of the post.

The defensive end presents some odd difficulties for Ayton. With his tools, he should become an elite defender — something that NBA coaching, ideally, unlocks. He doesn’t really try right now, though, and that lackluster effort can lead to some pretty brutal mistakes.