Former # 1 pick [Deandre Ayton](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2021/10/19/deandre-ayton-should-take-a-31-deal-after-not-signing-extension-with-phoenix-suns/amp/) has some virtues, but hammering his way to the line isn’t one of them.
He’s averaging 1.2 free throw attempts per game for his new team Portland. It’s a shockingly low number given that he’s starting and averaging 31.8 minutes. The 1.2 FTA wouldn’t crack the top 150 of all players, and that ranking would get worse if you base it on minute per minute or FT rate.
Interestingly, Ayton is rebounding pretty well, grabbing 10.4 boards per game. He’s even averaging 3.0 offensive rebounds. You’d figure he could convert those into more FTA, but it hasn’t happened yet.
For his career, he’s only averaged 2.9 FTA per 36, but he’s at less than half of that this year (1.4 per 36).
*stats via basketball-reference, post sponsored by Charmin*
by ZandrickEllison
35 Comments
Him saying his goal for his career was to make it to his second contract is the biggest red flag I’ve ever seen a player throw.
Dude is scared of attacking the paint. No surprise he became this low.
His footwork is that of a volleyball player.
I’m glad Cade Cunningham isn’t turning out to be a bust like this guy. Got a little worried at first
dominayton, he is not
Dominayte
Those are Tobias Harris numbers.
The sad thing is his FT percentage is decent for a big man
That’s more than Ben Simmons at least
He loves his middies
It’s because of all evil Monty Williams and the evils Suns did to underrate his obvious stardom, not giving him max immediately and not overthrowing a league-topping team to put him in the center. How could anyone treated that way be aware of what going into shooting motion is?
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That’s actually crazy considering as a Heat fan we always complain that Bam isn’t aggressive enough on offense and he averages like 8 FTs a game or whatever lol with elite defense.
Ayton is trash. He’s 7 feet tall and all he wants to do is shoot 15 foot jumpers. He has no ball handling skills and can’t drive into the paint. So glad the Suns got rid of him.
is it just lack of dog or is he just not good
He’s putting in the same amount of effort as the Blazer’s front office
Hot take but refs officiate centers/back to basket post players to the detriment of their long term health, allowing non-calls to backs and necks just because the position is expected to handle physical punishment like linemen. Ayton is playing the long game
He only averages 1.2 more free throw attempts per game in the nba than me. Pathetic.
Turns out he was just BloviAyton
Dudes got one of the nastiest and lethal middys for a big man and a jump hook that’s elite I don’t understand why he’s settling for 14 and 10. So much potential. Wanted to see him go on and fight for some personal awards over there in Portland after the trade. Guess it’ll never happen. Atleast not til his contract year maybe. If he could be who he was in that 2021 finals run or 2022 playoff series vs the Pels it would be consensus that he’s elite. I guess he’s just never gonna be that guy. Damn
Ben Simmons of Centers
Is there anyone softer currently playing
Great value Erick Dampier
Bruh, this is easily my biggest miss of my amateur scouting career.
I was hoping the Spurs would trafe Kawhi for the #1 pick and have Pop mentor Ayton, but there is a 0% his work ethic would’ve fit in SA
I finally had a chance to really watch him against Denver the other night. I couldn’t believe how scared he looked every single time he got the ball in the paint. It’s like he just looks straight at the ground, and than instantly tries to find an outlet. I remember him feasting on Jokic during his Phoenix days.
I hate this bum so much
Can you actually shit on this guy and rag on Embiid at the same time? Embiid puts his body on the line every play, while this guy is out their acting like he’s the softer version of Ben Simmons.
Nobody mentions he was the #1 pick because Sarver’s team wanted the local college guy, not because the Kings were gonna swoop in and take him over a stud like Bagley.
Yeah these free throw stats are worthless. It doesn’t tell you how aggressive a player is at all. I watch Sabonis get the shit kicked out of him every game. If the NBA rewarded aggressiveness he would shoot WAY more free throws.
I actually thought Warrior fans were delusional when they said Steph gets a horrible whistle. Until I watched him carefully and realized he’s super aggressive. His free throws per game is incredibly misleading.
How do Portland fans feel about him?
Ethicayton
I’ll go
He’s soft. He been soft
Big body. Small heart
Such wasted talent. Portland was so dumb
Ah it had been several days since the last “Fuck DeAndre Ayton” post, thanks for filling the gap