The Phoenix Suns missed out on Luka Doncic in the 2018 draft, but it may have been the right choice. Instead of drafting Doncic, the Arizona team selected center Deandre Ayton.

Ayton has been a good big man for the Suns, but he hasn't lived up to his full potential yet. He averaged a double-double this 2020-21 season with 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. Although he is not a better player than Doncic, he fits the team better especially alongside Devin Booker.

Here are three reasons the Luka Doncic draft snub for Deandre Ayton is the right move for the Suns.

3. Deandre Ayton's fit alongside Booker

Ayton is unarguably the perfect center alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul, and his Game 1 performance against the Los Angeles Lakers proved that.

He is a lob threat and a walking double-double. He also has the ability to take over games when needed and is a reliable third option for the Suns. While Doncic is a far better player, he wouldn't fit well with Booker.

Book is a player who works well with and without the ball, but he is a primary scorer. When the Suns brought in Paul, it was the perfect fit because he can be the playmaker and allow Booker to focus more on offense.

2. Luka Doncic would have slowed Booker's development

If Doncic were drafted by the Suns, it would have hindered Booker's development. Doncic would be both the primary playmaker and scorer, which would make it tough on the shooting guard.

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Ayton, on the other hand, is perfect next to Booker as he can be in the pick-and-roll and focus on other areas aside from scoring. He has been a reliable center for the Suns throughout his first three seasons in the NBA and should only continue to develop.

Booker has grown into a great scorer and playmaker throughout his career. Doncic would have slowed this development as the the ball would of been in his hands. Even with Paul now, Booker still receives a good amount of the ball handling duty. Ayton has been a great fit alongside Booker and allowed him to develop into the great player we know today.

1. The Suns needed a center

The Suns were desperate to get a center in the 2018 draft, and they got the best one in the class. While Doncic is a great player, the Suns needed to get a big man and Ayton fit the team well.

Booker has benefited with playing with Ayton, and they have both developed into a solid core for Phoenix. With Chris Paul coming in, Ayton has become the third option and has thrived in his role.

The need was there and the Suns filled it and it has set them up for success for the future.

This Suns team finished as the second seed in the Western Conference in 2020-21, and they have a legitimate shot to contend for a championship. Although they have a tough first round matchup against the Lakers, they sure have the talent to be a contender. The team has a combination of young players and veterans who could lead the franchise to a deep playoff run.

Ayton and Booker's play will be key if they are going to beat the Lakers. It is the first playoff appearance for them and they will have to play well.

Paul will bring his playoff experience and leadership to take pressure off of these young players. While Doncic is the overall better player, Ayton is by far a greater fit and will be the x-facotre on their latest playoff run.