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. He was a highly-rated prospect who played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year. Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, selected by the Phoenix Suns. He made the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019. A significant achievement in his career was helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, their first appearance since 1993. He now plays for the Lakers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Suns reach NBA Finals

In 1993, the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.

2010: Playoff Berth since 2010

In 2021, Ayton would help Phoenix clinch their first playoff berth since 2010.

2016: Ayton represents The Bahamas in Centrobasket

In 2016, Deandre Ayton represented The Bahamas in the Centrobasket, where he averaged a tournament-leading 11.1 rebounds per game.

November 10, 2017: Debut with University of Arizona

On November 10, 2017, Ayton debuted with the University of Arizona, scoring 19 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots in a 101–67 victory against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.

December 9, 2017: Season-High Performance

On December 9, 2017, Ayton achieved a season-high (at the time) of 29 points and 18 rebounds in a win against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

December 30, 2017: Season-High Rebounds

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

March 3, 2018: Announcement of NBA Draft Entry

On March 3, 2018, after the game against California, head coach Sean Miller announced that Ayton would be entering the 2018 NBA draft at the end of the season.

April 26, 2018: Signed with Agent

On April 26, 2018, Deandre Ayton officially declared for the 2018 NBA draft and announced that he signed with agent Nima Namakian.

June 2018: Puma sponsors Ayton

In June 2018, Puma announced they would sponsor Deandre Ayton after returning to the basketball market.

June 21, 2018: Drafted First Overall by Phoenix Suns

On June 21, 2018, Deandre Ayton was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, marking the franchise's first No. 1 pick in their history.

July 1, 2018: Joined Suns Summer League Squad

On July 1, 2018, Ayton joined the 2018 NBA Summer League Suns squad, starting his journey with the team.

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.

2018: NBA Draft First Overall Pick

In 2018, Ayton was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2018: Comparisons before NBA Draft

Prior to his draft in 2018, ESPN analyst Jay Williams compared Deandre Ayton to David Robinson and Anthony Davis.

September 10, 2019: Ayton holds relief drive for Hurricane Dorian victims

On September 10, 2019, Deandre Ayton held a relief drive to collect supplies and donations for those affected by Hurricane Dorian.

January 3, 2020: Returned as Starter

On January 3, 2020, Deandre Ayton returned to the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns, playing as a power forward in a win against the New York Knicks.

2021: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2021, Deandre Ayton played a key role in leading the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.

March 23, 2022: Ayton scores career-high 35 points

On March 23, 2022, Deandre Ayton scored a career-high 35 points, along with 14 rebounds, in a 125–116 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

July 14, 2022: Ayton signs offer sheet with Pacers

On July 14, 2022, Deandre Ayton signed a four-year, $133 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, the largest in league history for a restricted free agent.