Orlando Magic Daily
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A way-too-early look at the 2018 NBA Draft

By Ricky Scricca

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - OCTOBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 1 game between Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid at Sinan Erdem Dome on October 12, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Aykut Akici/EB via Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - OCTOBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 1 game between Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid at Sinan Erdem Dome on October 12, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Aykut Akici/EB via Getty Images) /
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DeAndre Ayton, Arizona

DeAndre Ayton is generally regarded as the fourth or fifth best player in this draft class, behind Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley and Michael Porter Jr. But he fits  the mold of the modern NBA center perfectly. If all goes well during his year with the Arizona Wildcats, he is the type of player all NBA teams should want.

The ideal center rotation in the NBA today should include an offensive-minded big man who can stretch the floor and make plays and one who is more defensive-minded that can protect the rim and finish out of the pick-and-roll. At his ceiling, Ayton may fit both prototypes.

His offensive skills are still a work in progress. His shooting form is inconsistent, even if the results are solid, and his playmaking ability right now is mere flashes. But his defense is very much there.

Mohamed Bamba, another physically imposing member of the 2018 draft class, is similar in that he is also a center with impressive wingspan, strength, defensive instincts and offensive abilities. In fact, Bamba is widely regarded as the better NBA prospect.

As seen in the video taken earlier this year at the Jordan Brand Classic, the two are very close in stature. Neither excel at scoring out of the post right now, but Ayton’s strength and defensive instincts shined, denying Bamba anything resembling a makeable shot.

The first thing to take away from this video is that as of now, neither player should be considered a high-level post-up or face-up threat on offense, despite that being a key part of Bamba’s game. Ayton’s preferred style, which involves more defense and pick-and-roll action, likely more resembles what will be asked of him at the next level.

The second is Ayton is an extremely impressive defender at all levels. He is arguably better than Bamba right now, but that could all change very soon. The two are very similar players and the difference in NBA success may come down to who has the higher motor or better attitude.

Unfortunately for Ayton, that is where his major question marks lie. He has shown poor body language during games and his attitude sometimes comes through in his lack of consistency and hustle.

Ayton has a legitimate chance to be the NBA draft’s best center prospect since Karl Anthony-Towns. It comes down to whether he can stay mentally committed while on the court and further develop his offensive skills.