Deandre Ayton loves the idea of playing as power forward for the Phoenix Suns.
Suns general manager James Jones recently revealed that Ayton could find himself playing at the four spot next season, especially with Aron Baynes now with the team. While Ayton primarily played as center last year, Phoenix is confident he has the skills to stretch the floor and play as power forward.
Ayton apparently watched the interview, and he expressed his excitement over the idea. After all, he used to play the position in college.
Full quote from Deandre Ayton on chance of playing PF:
"Ahh! I heard the word! That's college back all over again. That's my born-and-raised position is the power forward. It's a great look. It's a big lineup too so I'm excited to start if that happens."— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 24, 2019
Ayton had incredible stats during his lone year at Arizona that convinced the Suns to pick him first overall in 2018. He averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks in his 35 games as the Wildcats' starting power forward.
It would make sense for the Suns to play Ayton at the four, especially with his solid skills in the perimeter. Moreover, with his 7-foot-1, 250-pound frame, he can easily bully other forwards.
He didn't have a bad debut campaign in the NBA, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. However, it's been noted that he's weaker compared to the league's other centers. Moving him to the PF spot should allow him to create mismatches and stay on the court longer.
If everything goes well, Ayton will thrive like Kristaps Porzingis at the four and become an unstoppable force in the league.
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