The modern NBA big man has a lot of responsibilities. No, they aren’t expected to score in the post as often as they used to be. That’s an antiquated style of basketball. Still, don’t sell the value of modern big men short.
Often, they’re expected to anchor a defense. A big man’s ability to deny an opposing team dunks and layups can be invaluable. Take Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks. If he’s near the rim, finishing a dunk or a layup is going to become considerably more difficult.
By contrast, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns isn’t quite as sound on the defensive end – although, he is solid. Still, he’s a more gifted offensive player. Ayton has great touch around the rim that he uses to score – sometimes, at will. Could the two big men change teams this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Mitchell Robinson, G/F Evan Fournier
New York Knicks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
So, what’s most important in a big man? If a modern NBA big is almost exclusively a lob finisher, are they offering enough on offense? Well, it depends on the team around them.
After all, we’ve seen some dominant offensive big men have a lot of success recently. This year’s MVP was Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s a fantastic rim protector, but he’s also an elite post scorer with an outstanding face-up game. Meanwhile, the league’s Finals MVP was Nikola Jokic. He may be the best playmaker in basketball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates
By contrast, Ayton is not. Neither is Robinson. Both of these guys are complimentary players. They’re not going to carry anybody’s offense. So, your preference between the two will boil down to your roster’s needs. Do the Suns have a larger need for Robinson?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
We think so. Let’s be honest: Ayton isn’t going to do much outside of finish pick and rolls in Phoenix next year. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on the roster, the Suns aren’t going to look to him to create his own offense very often.
The same will hold true for Robinson. So, the Knicks might as well invest in his superior rim protection. With the Suns’ star trio handling the offense, having Robinson in the middle to lock down the paint could make the Suns the most dominant team in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Knicks didn’t find much use for Fournier last year. The Suns might. This team is sorely lacking depth. After Booker and Beal, they could use one more decent guard. Fournier is a floor spacer who can make some plays for himself and others. Should the Knicks give him up?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Well, the Knicks seemed to grow tired of Fournier this season. He basically fell out of this team’s rotation. In fact, that’s a common theme here – all of these players have, at times, been rumored to be unhappy with their roles on their current teams.
Ayton should find a larger role in New York. He won’t be the first option. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle will still be ahead of him in the team’s offensive pecking order. Still, the Knicks will have a use for Ayton’s touch around the rim. He could be a great third option for this club.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates
In time, he could even be the second option. The Knicks have long had a rumored interest in moving Julius Randle. Having an inside scorer like Ayton could help facilitate that transition. Either way, the fit here is strong. Ayton can handle the responsibilities that the Knicks would trust in him.
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