Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is having a rookie season for the ages. In fact, the 19-year old big man is having one of the efficient debut campaigns in NBA history.
According to Reddit user u/Xinpoint1, Ayton is well on his way to having the best true shooting percentage by a rookie of all time. And if further restricted to his current averages of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, Ayton once again tops that list – which includes Hall of Famers like Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, and David Robinson in the top five.
For players with > 15 PPG, Deandre Ayton is tracking to become the most efficient rookie in NBA history from nba
The former Arizona Wildcat recently had his best game in his NBA career, finishing with 33 points on 16-of-20 from the field, while adding 14 rebounds amd four steals in a Suns loss against the Denver Nuggets. With that ultra-efficient performance, Ayton's true shooting percentage now stands at 62.8, which further separates himself from the pack.
Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Luka Doncic, who was selected third overall in this year's draft, has made the headlines with his countless highlights and outstanding play over the past few weeks. It seems like the Slovenian sensation is already being penciled in as the Rookie of the Year. However, the first overall pick should not be overlooked in the conversation as he is having a monster rookie campaign as well.
Ayton struggled as some point this season with Devin Booker on the sidelines. However, it looks like he's benefitted tremendously with the former Kentucky Wildcat back in the fray. Over that eight game span, Ayton is averaging 21.4 points on 68.1 percent shooting, while 14.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 steals.
Looks like this is going to be a tighter race for Rookie of the Year that everyone else realizes.
* All statistics from Basketball Reference
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