Deandre Ayton
Deandre Edoneille Ayton Sr. (born July 23, 1998) is a Bahamian professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats and was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. Ayton is known for his size, athleticism, and versatility as a center.[1]
| No. 22 – Portland Trail Blazers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Center |
| League | NBA |
| Personal information | |
| Born | July 23, 1998 Nassau, Bahamas |
| Nationality | Bahamian |
| Listed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Arizona (2017–2018) |
| NBA draft | 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall |
| Selected by the Phoenix Suns | |
| Playing career | 2018–present |
| Career history | |
| 2018–2023 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2023–present | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Early life and high school career
changeDeandre Ayton was born in Nassau, Bahamas. He moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue basketball. Ayton attended multiple high schools, including Balboa City School in San Diego and Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. At Hillcrest, he became the No. 1 recruit in the nation.[2][3]
College career
changeAyton played one season of college basketball at the University of Arizona (2017–18). He averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, leading the Wildcats to a Pac-12 championship. Ayton was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and a consensus first-team All-American. After one season, he declared for the 2018 NBA draft.[4]
NBA career
changePhoenix Suns (2018–2023)
changeAyton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
During the 2020–21 season, Ayton played a pivotal role in the Suns' run to the 2021 NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. His defensive presence and rebounding were crucial throughout the postseason.[5]
Portland Trail Blazers (2023–present)
changeIn September 2023, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.[6]
National team career
changeAyton has expressed interest in representing the Bahamas men's national basketball team. In 2023, he joined the team and contributed to their success in regional tournaments.
Career statistics
changeNBA regular season
change| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | PHX | 71 | 70 | 30.7 | .585 | .000 | .746 | 10.3 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 16.3 |
| 2022–23 | PHX | 67 | 67 | 30.4 | .587 | .294 | .761 | 10.0 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 18.0 |
| Total | 317 | 309 | 30.3 | .588 | .225 | .754 | 10.4 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 16.7 |
References
change- ↑ "NBA Team Standings & Stats | NBA.com". www.nba.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Mar 23, 2022 Game Summary". www.nba.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "How did we get here? Pacers extend 4-year, $133M max offer sheet to Ayton; Phoenix Suns on clock". Yahoo Sports. 2022-07-14. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "Young, Doncic lead 2018-19 All-Rookie First Team". NBA.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "Trail Blazers Acquire Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara in Three Team Trade With Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns". www.nba.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ↑ "Doncic, Simmons headline Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars rosters". NBA.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.