NBA 2018-19: Top 5 Potential Rookie of the Year candidates so far

#3 Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns v Chicago Bulls

The 1st overall pick, in June, of 2018, is having an impact this season, with Phoenix. He is currently averaging a double-double after 26 games with 15.8 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game.

Ayton, a 7 foot 2-inch center/power forward, is also the minutes played leader among rookies, with 801, through 26 games. Ayton is also first in field goals made with 181 among the rookie class and averages a field goal percentage of 59.5.

Ayton’s game is on the rise. So far, early, in his career, Ayton recorded an 18 point, 10 rebound 6 assist outing against Dallas. Ayton also produced a 20 point 14 rebound night against Golden State.

Ayton does his best work around the basket and because of it has a really efficient and high field goal percentage. It is perhaps Ayton’s early season play that made the Tyson Chandler buyout, in Phoenix, a possibility. Deandre Ayton’s scoring average is currently second amongst rookies at 15.8.