Career Timeline of Deandre Ayton: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Deandre Ayton, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Deandre Ayton is a Bahamian professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Lakers. A highly touted prospect, he played college basketball at Arizona, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year. Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, selected by the Phoenix Suns. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019. A significant achievement in his career includes helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, their first appearance since 1993. He was later traded to the Portland Trailblazers and subsequently to the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Suns reach NBA Finals

In 1993, Deandre Ayton led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.

2007: Shawn Marion's Performance

In January 2021, Deandre Ayton became the first Suns player since Shawn Marion in 2007 to put up at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a single game.

2009: Suns First Eight-Game Winning Streak Since 2009-10

In 2020 the Suns first eight-game winning streak since the 2009–10 season.

2010: Playoff Berth Since 2010

In 2021, Deandre Ayton helped Phoenix clinch their first playoff berth since 2010.

2014: Balboa School Basketball

In 2014 as a sophomore, Deandre Ayton led Balboa School to a 17–14 record, averaging 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6.9 blocks per game.

2016: Represents The Bahamas in Centrobasket

In 2016, Ayton represented The Bahamas in the Centrobasket, leading the tournament with 11.1 rebounds per game and averaging 16 points and 3.5 blocks per game at age 18.

2016: Hillcrest Record and Nike Hoop Summit

In 2016, Deandre Ayton led Hillcrest to a 33-6 record, earning Finals MVP and season MVP, and played at the Nike Hoop Summit representing the World Select team.

November 10, 2017: University of Arizona Debut

On November 10, 2017, Deandre Ayton debuted with the University of Arizona, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.

December 9, 2017: Season-High Points and Rebounds

On December 9, 2017, Ayton recorded a season-high 29 points and 18 rebounds in a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

December 30, 2017: Season-High Rebounds Against Arizona State

On December 30, 2017, Ayton recorded a season-high 19 rebounds against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

2017: Teammate with Marvin Bagley III

In 2017, Deandre Ayton became teammates with Marvin Bagley III at Hillcrest Prep Academy.

January 20, 2018: Tied Freshman Block Record

On January 20, 2018, Deandre Ayton tied the Arizona freshman single-game record by blocking six shots against Stanford.

March 3, 2018: Declaration for NBA Draft

On March 3, 2018, head coach Sean Miller honored Deandre Ayton and other underclassmen with confirmations that they would all be entering the 2018 NBA draft.

April 26, 2018: Signs with Agent Nima Namakian

On April 26, 2018, Deandre Ayton signed with agent Nima Namakian, preparing for the 2018 NBA draft.

June 2018: Puma announces sponsorship of Ayton

In June 2018, Puma announced they would sponsor Ayton after the German company announced that they would be returning to the basketball market.

June 21, 2018: Drafted #1 Overall by Phoenix Suns

On June 21, 2018, Deandre Ayton was selected with the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.

July 1, 2018: Joins Phoenix Suns Summer League Squad

On July 1, 2018, Deandre Ayton joined the 2018 NBA Summer League Suns squad.

October 17, 2018: NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Deandre Ayton made his NBA debut, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a win against the Dallas Mavericks.