Phx-Suns.Net

Charlie Smithy! wrote: ↑

Sat May 23, 2026 3:03 pm

@The Bobster
@LazarusLong

I've always wondered, because I never saw the former play, but... is there any similarity or maybe straight-up convergence between Joe Barry Carroll and Deandre Ayton?

Ayton was more passive around the basket. Maybe not as bad as Boris Diaw, but close.

Carroll was a good scorer, topping out over 24 points a game, but he wasn't as good a rebounder as Ayton. He was a better shot blocker though.

Agree fairly much what Bobster said.

Joe Barry gets some props for getting his offense on his own gumption.
Ayton was pushed and cajoled by CP3, while Carroll played with a parade of point guards at Golden State, during his best years.

I'd say Carroll was a better basketball player, while Ayton was/is a better athlete.
The disappointment with Carroll was that as good as he could be, he would be MIA at times.
The disappointment with Ayton is that he never was a student of the game, and hasn't shown an inclination to evolve.

LazarusLong wrote: ↑

Sun May 24, 2026 7:56 pm

I'd say Carroll was a better basketball player, while Ayton was/is a better athlete.
The disappointment with Carroll was that as good as he could be, he would be MIA at times.
The disappointment with Ayton is that he never was a student of the game, and hasn't shown an inclination to evolve.

That's fair. Carroll's game was more developed, but I think his unemotional demeanor brought him some undeserved (and deserved) criticism. "He looks disinterested, so he must be disinterested."

Carroll was talented, but his lackluster defense didn't win him many fans. "He's dogging it out there!"

I decided to put this here from si.com instead of in the regular off-season thread

Latest Trade Intel on Giannis Antetokounmpo: Lakers, Detroit, Boston, Miami, Portland, Minnesota and Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers looking to trade for Isaiah Stewart if he is moved to acquire Tyler Herro

According to Anthony F. Irwin, a Los Angeles Lakers insider, the Lakers are in hot pursuit of Detroit Pistons' big man Isaiah Stewart. The Deandre Ayton experience was one that the Lakers want to put behind them sooner than later, and without starter level centers on the open market in free agency, the Lakers could find a new starter if they can trade for the defensive minded Stewart.

Do you think Ayton gets another NBA contract? Every team he has played for completely hates his bum ass. He is a big man who walks and breathes, though, so he may get another shot.

He’s a vet min guy now

Mori Chu wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 21, 2026 9:23 am

Do you think Ayton gets another NBA contract? Every team he has played for completely hates his bum ass. He is a big man who walks and breathes, though, so he may get another shot.

I think he is done. Well, that NBA teams are done with him. I didn't watch him that much but what I saw wasn't good. I almost think only having 4 players on the floor is better than him being there, at least then you know who you can rely on.

I think he'll have a hard time finding a team. But his numbers might be good enough to fool somebody. He did average 12.5 ppg on 67% FG and 8 rpg this past season. I realize that he sucked and had a largely net negative impact, but those are pretty impressive numbers, so I wonder if some team will fall for it and take a chance on the guy. Maybe a loser team like Sacramento or Washington or something.

Someone will take a flyer on him. Honestly, if I'm the 76ers and just need a big to fill in whenever Embiid is out, if probably sign him to the min

For the vet min and being a bench player he'll be a steal.

Furlanfufi wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 21, 2026 9:34 pm

For the vet min and being a bench player he'll be a steal.

Why? He doesn't try as a well paid starter, why would he try as a broke bench big?

If he gives someone half the production for the minimum it's already good. Paying him more is stupid, and I don't want him near the Suns, but someone can make a good use of 10 points and 5 rebounds for the min.

Furlanfufi wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 22, 2026 2:14 am

If he gives someone half the production for the minimum it's already good. Paying him more is stupid, and I don't want him near the Suns, but someone can make a good use of 10 points and 5 rebounds for the min.

Compared to other bench fodder…. I can see it, but the fact he’s gone from number 1 draft pick and dominAyton to THIS, is just pathetic. Guys who are legit trying to improve their stature in the league on the bench deserve time instead of a guy who “might” be there mentally when you need him imho.

I’m still quite positive there’s a (un)reasonable explanation for this, right?

My understanding is that the guy smokes a LOT of weed. Which in general I have no problem with, but in his case it probably doesn't help with his questionable work ethic and motor.

Mori Chu wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 22, 2026 7:03 am

My understanding is that the guy smokes a LOT of weed. Which in general I have no problem with, but in his case it probably doesn't help with his questionable work ethic and motor.

Yea the psychosis that these younger guys get with weed use, mixed with their under developed prefrontal cortex are just bad recipes. On the flip side I’ve seen some “highly” functioning weed users (which I’d include myself in, only because with it I’m way more mobile and able to manage my pain better) having zero issues with motivation. Honestly if the guy could get legit help and clean, he might be able to make a come back. Just sad what he’s become.

I think a lot of us said it back when he was on a max with us, but his career really is turning out quite similar to Drummond…though Drummond managed to hang around on a vet min for awhile and I think is now even above the minimum. He was awful as a max big, but useful as a vet min bench big. Just depends if Ayton wants that or not.

Nah. Drummond's problem is more about mobility and skill. He's a rebounder and not much else. But he's the best rebounder on the court almost every night. You can trust him to be that.

With Ayton, it's all mental. You can't trust him, even in a limited role.

I just meant more from a max guy to vet min guy…not exactly the specific reasons.

Prime Drummond was better than Ayton ever was, he was like 17/15 every night with 1.5 blocks per.