He's looking like the guy we hoped he would in a better environment. He's been playing really well for us and pretty much consistent at that 15 and 10 kind of double-double level thus far.
Very little to complain about, he’s looked super solid and very engaged, focused on screening and defense. For the price we got him he’s been a steal.
DA with a another solid game 17 pts 10 reb 3 ast So nice to have a quality big and his effect on the over all game
i have one small complaint--he didn't run back on defense a few times when he needed to, imo. otherwise, he's obviously just been a HUGE upgrade for us at center. a couple times a game he can create a bucket out of a situation that would have been a turnover a year ago, and he can get some of the blocks and rebounds in traffic we missed so much when AD left.
Yeah he has great touch in the paint outside the restricted era . (24/36) Hopefully he will go back to his usual elite FG% in the restricted era too ( 74.1% at worst for the past 5 seasons) He's only 11 out of 21 so far at the rim this season
Paint is congested - a lot of minutes for the g league bench mob, Vando, etc who defenses aren't going to respect. I suspect the restricted area efficiency numbers go up when the Lakers hopefully get healthy and Ayton is back to the 4th/5th option with guys like Lebron in the corner. The gravitional pull of the defense is pointed right at the rim right now instead of away
He's automatic with the floaters. Is he the best big who can do it? It seems every shot goes in. I think JJ knew it was a mistake feeding Ayton 'lobs'. Ayton needs that running head start when he's rolling to the rim and then can drop his running floater. Or, if he's at the elbow, he'll hit you with a open midrange. The lobs don't work. Ayton's vertical is pretty low which is why he's not able to just dunk over everyone and has to take his time to put the ball up. He's not a Jaxson Hayes lob catcher. Best to use Ayton where he does the best. Midrange scorer who can hit a nasty floater.
And he seems pretty happy and content in this role, he seems to be concentrating on doing the little things that helps the team. He is not as flashy as AD but dang, he is getting the job done and seems really consistent and dependable.
He is doing all this, on the fly, while still learning how to play with these guys. Luka and AR have had to figure out where to get him the ball and exactly how he likes it to be delivered. This will continue to improve for a few more games, until they all totally get it and expect it.
Could you nitpick things? Sure, but he has been everything we needed, especially at the price point. Great start to the year.
He’s doing the critical small things for us. Firstly; he is amongst the league leaders on screens which is just so important for a modern NBA offense. Secondly, he is trying really hard on defense and holding his opponents to really low percentages. Lastly, he still rebounds well. If he keeps this up, he is a really great fit with our team personnel.
Seems willing and not bad as well to go away from key if needed to defend. Moves well. This guy really is near (at?) DDR level with the mid-range shots. Wow! He looks bigger and more muscular when the camera's in tight on him. DUH .... I know. But I mean he can look slender from a wide shot but he really is thicker and stronger than that.
There you go leads the league in picks and we’re scoring at almost 60% on those picks. Outstanding, can’t wait till Luka and LeBron come back to take advantage of it as well.
