It seems that “Straight Fire” podcast host Jason McIntyre may have recently lost his mind. Because he suggested this week new Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is just as impactful a player as former NBA MVPs Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Last week, the Lakers made their first — and maybe only — splash this offseason when they signed Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers veteran Deandre Ayton. The move was seen as solid and a notable upgrade at center. However, it seems that Jason McIntyre believes LA landed an elite talent.
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“I know a lot of people instantly poo-pooed this deal. ‘Ah, this is no big deal. Ayton is a malcontent. He would come out of games and slam chairs down. He’d be late to rehab,'” McIntyre said this week on his podcast. “This is how much DeAndre Ayton hated it in Portland. He forfeited $10 million to get out of town.
“Let’s just say that through his first seven seasons, he’s kind of, sort of, a top-eight center in the league. Look at these stats. Fifteen [points per game], 10 [rebounds], and 50% shooting [from the field] in the last seven seasons,” he continued. “[Nikola] Jokic is an MVP. Giannis [Anetokounmpo] is an MVP. [Anthony Davis] is All-NBA. Joel Embiid has an MVP.
“These are all great players. Deandre Ayton’s in that class with them. He just obviously was in Portland, so nobody paid attention.”
No one has claimed that Ayton isn’t a good player. He played a key role in a Suns team that reached the Finals four years ago. Furthermore, averaging over 16 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting nearly 60% from the field for his career, is impressive. That’s why he was, arguably, the best big man available when he entered free agency last month.
However, comparing a good player who thrives as the third or fourth best on his team to future Hall of Famers is insanity. Fans all know about Embiid and Davis’ lengthy injury histories. But they are posting 27 points and 11 boards, and 24 points and 10 rebounds, respectively, for their career. While also being high-level defenders and top options on elite teams.
Jokic and Antetokounmpo will go down as two of the greatest players of all time. They can do multiple things at elite levels and can carry teams to the NBA Finals. For as consistent as Ayton has been during his career, his peers and coaches have never even recognized him as being worthy of an All-Star appearance during his seven-year career.
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