The Portland Trail Blazers’ choice to let go of Deandre Ayton last summer has increasingly been shown as the correct move, especially in light of Ayton’s disappointing tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite solid statistical outputs, Ayton has consistently fallen short where it matters most.
This season, Ayton is averaging 13.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 67.5% from the field, which ranks second in the NBA only behind Rudy Gobert. The former top overall draft pick also grabs 8.5 rebounds on average, including 2.5 offensive boards, alongside one block per contest. Though these numbers seem promising, they fail to capture the full picture of his performance.
Ayton’s effort and overall influence on the court have become significant concerns. His lack of motor has transformed into a permanent weakness rather than a remediable issue. Despite being cut by Portland, which would typically prompt self-reflection, Ayton has not shown improvement in his competitive intensity. His aversion to physical play substantially restricts his impact on both offense and defense.
Defensively, the Lakers had hoped Ayton would become a reliable rim protector and defender of pick-and-roll situations. However, even after eight seasons and possessing the ideal physical attributes, he continues to struggle in these areas. This shortfall once again traces back to his insufficient effort rather than ability.
Offensively, Ayton has the potential to dominate the paint due to his size and skillful touch, but he often settles for mid-range jump shots instead of asserting himself inside. His free throw attempts are notably low at just 1.8 attempts per game, a rare statistic for a center who should draw contact regularly.
In summary, while Ayton remains a talented player, his failure to meet expectations largely stems from his own shortcomings.
Donovan Clingan exemplifies the ideal center for the Blazers
The qualities that Ayton lacks are embodied by Donovan Clingan, the Portland Trail Blazers’ young center. Clingan represents the archetype of a traditional center, excelling especially on the boards. He leads the NBA in offensive rebounds per game with an average of 4.7, showcasing his dominance in securing second-chance opportunities for his team.
Beyond rebounding, Clingan is a reliable interior defender who patrols the paint effectively. His presence disrupts opponents more than his 1.4 blocks per game reveal. Most critical to Portland’s confidence is his attitude—he maintains a strong work ethic, possesses no ego, and fully embraces the team’s culture.
As the Lakers contend with the frustrations that come with Ayton’s underperformance, the Trail Blazers gain reassurance from having the dependable Clingan anchoring their frontcourt.
