Under the starry night sky of the NBA, every new star rises, accompanied by the expectations and cheers of countless fans. However, on this star-studded stage, not every new star who had high hopes can continue to shine. There are always some former top picks who have gradually lost their shine under the baptism of time.
Ayton, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, seems to be entering such a trajectory, and in a quiet way.
At that time, Ayton entered the league as the No. 1 pick and was regarded as a new hope for the inside. His top-notch figure, skills and potential once made us see the shadow of the Spurs' famous "Admiral".
However, times have changed, and the young man who once had high hopes is now astonishingly performing in the Trail Blazers. After returning from injury, Ayton only averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist per game. This is too bleak for a No. 1 pick. His shooting percentage has declined, his defensive efficiency ranks low in the league, and his performance is far from his original identity and expectations.
Ayton's decline is not without trace. During the Suns' period, although he was not the team's first offensive core, he could still average 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. However, after joining the Trail Blazers, his data plummeted, and his scoring average dropped to single digits. This makes people think, what led to the rapid decline of this former number one pick?
Perhaps, we can find some clues from Ayton's own attitude and playing style. In the post-game interview, Ayton once said confidently: "I have nothing to prove in this league. I am a top-paid player."
These words revealed a feeling of satisfaction and complacency. In the fierce competition, In the NBA, if a player loses his aggressiveness and hunger, his decline is almost inevitable.
In addition, Ayton's style in the game also favors a blue-collar center, with limited scoring methods and a lack of dominance on the defensive end. In the Trail Blazers, he plays more of a rebounding and defensive role, but has little success on the offensive end. This is far from the requirements of today's NBA for center players, especially in the era of popular small balls. If center players cannot make a difference on the offensive end, their value on the court will be greatly reduced.
At the same time, we cannot ignore the impact of the external environment on Ayton. Although Ayton performed well during his time with the Suns, the team has never been able to build an effective tactical system around him. After joining the Trail Blazers, he had high hopes, hoping to become the team's inside pillar. However, the Trail Blazers' tactical system and player configuration do not seem to be suitable for Ayton's performance. He seemed isolated on the court, and his chemistry with his teammates was slow to form.
Of course, we can't blame Ayton's decline entirely on himself or the external environment. In the NBA, a stage full of variables, a player's success or failure is often affected by a variety of factors. Ayton's decline may be just a stage in his career. He still has a chance to regain his form and realize his talents.
Looking back at the rookies in the 2018 class, many of them have already made a mark in the league. Doncic and Alexander have become regulars on the mvp list, and Brunson has also made a name for himself with the Knicks. Compared with them, Ayton's situation undoubtedly seems a bit embarrassing. But this also illustrates a truth from the side: in the fiercely competitive arena of NBA, only by continuous efforts and progress can we maintain our status and value.
For Ayton, he not only needs to re-examine his professional attitude and playing style, but also needs to find his hungry and enterprising self, and strive to improve his skills and abilities to adapt to the development of the league. At the same time, you also need to learn to communicate and cooperate with teammates and coaches to strive to find your own position and role in the Trail Blazers.
Ayton's decline is neither accidental nor irreversible. He still has enough time and opportunities to prove his worth. But the premise is that you must face your own problems and take action to change them.
Otherwise, this former No. 1 overall pick might really disappear into obscurity and become an outcast of time.
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