Does Suns Center Deandre Ayton Have the Most to Prove?

Ayton was chosen by The Athletic as the Phoenix Suns player with the most to prove.

Across the board, the Phoenix Suns have plenty to prove. 

Chris Paul and Devin Booker look to prove themselves as superstars who can push their team over the championship hump, while fans expect pieces such as Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson to also continue building their strengths on the wing.

No eyes and ears will fall short of center Deandre Ayton, however. Ayton was the franchise's only No. 1 pick and was recently awarded a four-year, $133 million deal. 

Plenty of expectations were on the big man prior to the upgrade in pay. 

Now, with a premium price tag and criticism that extends on and off the court, Ayton will be counted on more than ever when the Suns take the floor. 

In The Athletic's most recent article discussing one player who has the most to prove from each team, Ayton was the choice for Suns writer Doug Haller:

Suns Center Deandre Ayton Has the Most to Prove

"Much blame from Phoenix’s exit from the playoffs fell on Deandre Ayton, which wasn’t fair. He wasn’t the only one to no-show in a Game 7 loss to Dallas. Still, it was worth debating. Was Ayton content to be among the league’s better big men? Or did he have the fire to do more? He has the potential. In July, the Suns matched an offer sheet and signed Ayton to a four-year, $133 million max extension. That shows commitment. Now it’s on him to play consistently and become the third star alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul." — Doug Haller

Haller is correct: The onus now falls on Ayton to make good on his talent and prove to entire world extending him was the correct decision. 

Suns fans see the talent. Phoenix recognizes the potential. Ayton still has his best basketball ahead of him, or at least the organization hopes so. 

As a collective unit, the Suns may be the top team with something to prove in the league considering their prior endings to the postseason. 

However, when factoring in potential and money, Ayton is the clear candidate with the most to prove moving forward. 

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