The Phoenix Suns just completed arguably the biggest move in franchise history or at least the biggest since they got Charles Barkley.
Barkley led them to the NBA Finals for the first time ever, and Devin Booker did the same just a couple of seasons ago.
Now, it’ll be up to Kevin Durant to help this team win its very first championship, and they should be considered the team to beat in the Western Conference right now, at least on paper.
However, as great as Durant is, as intelligent as Chris Paul is, and as efficient as Booker is, Charles Barkley believes the key to this team’s playoff success will be Deandre Ayton.
Per Chuck, Ayton will need to be mature enough to stay motivated and do whatever it takes to help the team win, even if he’s not able or required to put up big scoring numbers anymore:
“To me, the key is gonna be Ayton,” Barkley said. “He’s gotta do the dirty work. He’s not gonna get as many touches, so he’s gotta stay motivated and say, ‘hey, I’m going to do everything I can; I need to get more rebounds ’cause I gotta find a way. I’m not gonna average as many points, so I got to help this team. I got to block some shots, and I got to get some more rebounds.”
"To me, the key is gonna be Ayton…he's gotta do the dirty work."
Chuck believes Deandre Ayton is vital to Phoenix's success pic.twitter.com/5nfZyD6BE0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 10, 2023
This isn’t a far-fetched take at all.
Ayton was key to their success in their championship run, taking a huge leap forward on the defensive end of the floor and even serving as a rim protector.
His cover letter entering the league was his offensive game, but they now need a different version of him, similar to the transition Andrew Bogut did in the final stage of his career.
There has been plenty of rumbling around Ayton’s apparent desire to leave the team, and his friction with coach Monty Williams is evident.
So, will he be able to put all that aside and contribute? That’s the big question.
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