By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Phoenix Suns centre and Bahamian National Basketball Association (NBA) player Deandre Ayton could see his talents maximised once again this upcoming NBA season. There is a newfound optimism surrounding the Bahamian centre after the team hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach following the firing of previous coach Monty Williams after the playoffs. The team was ousted from the 2023 NBA playoff semifinals after the Denver Nuggets defeated them in a 25-point blowout win to end their season.

Despite not playing in the final game of the playoffs due to a rib contusion injury, Ayton received criticism for his inconsistent play in the semifinals. In this year’s playoffs the centre averaged 13.4 points per game (PPG), 9.7 rebounds, 0.7 blocks along with a 55% shooting clip. However, in the regular season he turned in 18.0 PPG, 10 boards, 0.8 blocks, with 58.8% on field goals. Although he had a disappointing showing in their last series with the centre only putting up double digits once in the final three games he played, the Suns’ new head coach has high hopes for the All-Star.

At an introductory press conference this week Vogel said Ayton can be a big deterrent defensively and there’s still areas that he can grow offensively. The former Lakers head coach also added that he is intent on really connecting with Ayton and restoring him to an All-Star level player.

Ayton and the Suns will look to regroup after what some may deem a disappointing postseason performance from a team with title expectations. The team tried to keep their title window open after acquiring 13-time all star Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in February. The team brought the two-time NBA champion to pair with Devin Booker, point guard Chris Paul, and Ayton in hopes of going deep into the postseason. After coming up short, the Suns immediately shipped out their former head coach Williams for failing to meet expectations.

Nonetheless, after resigning Ayton last summer for a four year $133 million dollar contract, landing Durant via trade and signing a head coach with championship experience, the Suns will run it back in hopes of a new end result next season.