Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone admits that losing Deandre Ayton to a 25-game suspension was a huge blow to the Phoenix Suns.
Ayton was slapped with the suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. The second-year Suns center was found to be using diuretic, which is often used as a masking agent to prevent the detection of banned substances.
Malone, whose Nuggets will be facing the Suns at Pepsi Center for their second game of the season, can feel for Phoenix. He acknowledged the importance of Ayton to the team and how irreplaceable the Bahamian big man is to coach Monty Williams.
"They don't have anyone who can replace Deandre Ayton by themselves." #Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
Malone also gave Aron Baynes props, but understands the value of Ayton. #Suns
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 25, 2019
Ayton averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in 71 contests in his rookie season. Remarkably, the former Arizona Wildcat made the All-Rookie first team, too.
The Suns plan to build around Ayton at center. He is set to anchor the team alongside shooting guard Devin Booker, who is already an established elite scorer.
Phoenix has Australian center Aron Baynes to replace Ayton in the starting lineup. However, the Suns will sorely miss the combined talents Ayton delivers — promising rebounding and interior scoring.
Like Malone said, the Suns do not have just one person who can substitute for Ayton's presence. In a crowded Western Conference, one slight hiccup like Ayton's wrist slap could lead to Phoenix plummeting in the standings early.
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