The Phoenix Suns have been the best team in the NBA, but they have a long way to go. Phoenix has been tough to beat in their revenge season, following their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals last season.

Devin Booker and Chris Paul have gotten even better in their second campaign together. The Suns have the best record in the NBA at 48-10.

Paul is averaging 14.9 points per game along with a league-leading 10.7 assists. Booker has been dynamic as well, averaging 25.5 points per game and leading the Suns onto their great start.

Although it's been a great first half, they will need to elevate their game even more in the playoffs to win the title. The NBA is filled with talented teams that will be hard to take out. While Booker and Paul can lead the team, they will need the talent around them to step up.

With that said, here is the one Suns player with the most to prove after the 2022 All-Star Break.

1 Suns Player With The Most To Prove

Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton was drafted by the Suns with the 1st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft but has not lived up to expectations. Ayton has been a very productive center but not been the dominant center that was expected.

The Suns have yet to offer Ayton a contract as he is an impending free agent. He could be the odd man out of the core, as Booker is locked up, while Paul and Mikal Bridges received extensions.

This season, he is averaging 16.5 points per game and 10.3 rebounds. His offensive skillset is evident, but his inconsistency defensively leads to questions about his true value. Phoenix's title hopes were killed last year when Giannis Antetokounmpo took over with his dominance.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
Kevin Durant-Thunder rift prompts Kendrick Perkins’ harsh retirement admission
Kevin Durant-Thunder rift prompts Kendrick Perkins’ harsh retirement admissionJulian Ojeda ·
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the third quarter at Footprint Center.
NBA rumors: Suns’ Kevin Durant trade desires could hint at Karl-Anthony TownsJason Patt ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks up after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Suns, Rockets talking Kevin Durant trade with ‘lowered’ asking priceJason Patt ·
Cooper Flagg in a Phoenix Suns jersey, and Devin Booker in a Dallas Mavericks jersey. There are question marks around both players, and there is the NBA Draft logo in the background
Grading ESPN’s Suns-Mavericks trade proposal with Devin Booker, Cooper FlaggHayden Cilley ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Suns-Mavericks trade swapping Cooper Flagg pick, Devin BookerPreston Byers ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·

In the closeout game in the Finals, Antetokounmpo had 50 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks. The Suns had no answer for him, and Ayton's lack of defensive skills proved to be a problem.

However, he has the capability of improving and turning himself into a legitimate star center. His offense is there, as he is a walking double-double but needs to improve his game on the other end of the floor.

This is especially true with his contract coming up, and he is seeking a big deal. With Chris Paul set to be out 6-8 weeks, Ayton will be relied on to pick up the slack. Booker will remain the main star but will need teammates like Ayton to step up in Paul's absence.

This is an excellent opportunity for Ayton, as it can prove his worth to the team. The 2019-20 season was his best individual season before the acquisition of Paul. He averaged 18.2 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. All of those numbers are a career-high and showcase his full potential.

Ayton was in a draft class with stars like Trae Young and Luka Doncic and has not lived up to the hype thus far. However, he has a great opportunity in front of him to prove he is as valuable.

The Suns have a difficult journey ahead to make it back to the Finals. That is especially true if Paul is out for the rest of the regular season. Booker will need Ayton to pick up his game to maximize his potential. Ayton can also increase his value in free agency and prove he needs to be brought back.