The number one overall pick in an NBA Draft is expected to be a generational talent who has the potential to carry the franchise on his shoulders for the foreseeable future.
The Phoenix Suns drafted Deandre Ayton with the No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft with that thought in mind.
However, after spending five years in Phoenix, Ayton began a new chapter in his career with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023-24 NBA season.
While many expected Ayton to reach his true potential while playing for the Trail Blazers, he has failed to impress the majority of the NBA community this season.
On top of that, according to The Athletic’s Jason Quick via NBACentral on Twitter, Ayton has shown tantrums during his first few months with the Trail Blazers.
“His first months in Portland were defined by tardiness and tantrums according to team sources,” Quick stated.
Deandre Ayton's early tenure in Portland was characterized by ‘tardiness and tantrums,’ per @jwquick
“His first months in Portland were defined by tardiness and tantrums according to team sources. And there has been an eerie resemblance to Hassan Whiteside, the former Blazers'… pic.twitter.com/PAALdyES3I
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 9, 2024
Being the number one overall pick, it’s no surprise that Ayton expects himself to be given the star treatment by any franchise he plays for.
However, common decency is expected from any star player in the league, and Ayton has seemingly failed to do so in Portland.
The report also compared Ayton’s tenure with the Trail Blazers to Hassan Whiteside, who put up good numbers while playing for the team, but they had little to no impact on the performance of the franchise.
This season, Ayton has averaged 13.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for the Trail Blazers.
Despite averaging a double-double for the season, Ayton’s numbers have done no good for the team as they remain the 14th seed in the Western Conference with a 15-36 record.
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