Deandre Ayton's Goal: Get Certified as the Best Young Two-Way Center

Deandre Ayton has only played four playoff games in his young National Basketball Association (NBA) career. And yet, he already proved in those four games that, yes, he could be one of the best centers in the league. However, becoming one of the best centers in the NBA isn't what Ayton has in mind alone.

After the Phoenix Suns' 99-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to begin the Suns' return to the playoffs, the 22-year old top pick in the 2018 NBA Rookie Draft said that one of his goals is "to get certified as the best young two-way center,"

The numbers that Ayton is producing are helping his case.

After averaging 14 points, ten rebounds, and 1.2 blocks during the 2020-2021 regular season, Ayton upped that to 19 points, 13 rebounds, and a block during the ongoing Western Conference quarterfinals series against the defending champions. He is shooting 81% from the field.

Defensively, Ayton is helping the Suns stand toe-to-toe against Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond. At some points in the series, both Davis and Drummond looked lost while being defended by Ayton. In the series opener, Ayton helped limit Davis to an uncharacteristic five for 16 field goal shooting.

Ayton finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds in Game One.

In the Suns' 100-92 victory at Staples Center that tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2, Deandre Ayton finished with 14 points and 17 rebounds while shooting 75% from the field in 38 minutes.

Phoenix is playing Game Five at home, and with Anthony Davis likely missing that game, Deandre Ayton's numbers could go up to new heights that will help his case as the league's best young two-way center.

Photo is from Sports Illustrated