Phoenix Suns rookie big man Deandre Ayton says he and head coach Igor Kokoskov have talked about his development as an “alpha dog.”

Ayton told reporters that the team's defense isn't as good when he's not bringing energy and being an enforcer.

https://twitter.com/AshleyNevel/status/1081659205830946816

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1Rishav Bhat ·
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center.
Suns trade up to No. 31 with Timberwolves draft dealAlex House ·
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
Mark Williams trade grade for Hornets, Suns dealJerry Donatien ·
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott (left) poses for a photo with general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5G Performance Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns acquire 36th pick in draft trade with NetsScotty White ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
Bill Simmons rips Phoenix’s draft decisions after Kevin Durant tradeJake Faigus ·
Former Rockets star and current Suns player Dillon Brooks, who filed a restraining order against his ex, Heather Andrews.
Dillon Brooks files restraining order against ex who’s mother of his 2 kidsAndrew Korpan ·

DeAndre Ayton and star shooting guard Devin Booker are the two franchise cornerstones for the Suns. If each of them isn't playing well and bringing it every night, the team is not only going to lose, but the rest of the players aren't going to play with effort either.

Ayton and Booker are in a tough spot in Phoenix. They are both so young, yet have been placed in a position where they have to be leaders for this organization to turn things around. It's not going to be pretty by any means, but the hope in Phoenix is that the two youngsters can eventually lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Arizona, is averaging 16.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. The 20-year-old is shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 77.0 percent from the free-throw line.

The Suns are going to be a lottery team again this season. They are 9-31 on the year entering Saturday.