Media: Ayton May Accept a Bench Center Role for the First Time in His Career Next Season - NBA News

September 10 news: Wizards media outlet WizardsNationCP discussed new center Deandre Ayton:

Deandre Ayton may have to accept a role he has never taken before for the first time in his career.

Over his eight-year career, Ayton has always been a starting center, starting 463 of his 470 regular-season games. In his rookie season, Ayton was suspended for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy. After returning from suspension, he came off the bench behind Baynes to regain his form. In the 2019-20 season, he missed a large number of games because of an ankle injury, and after returning, he also chose to start from the bench to find his game rhythm.

In the following six seasons, Ayton played as a starting center in every season.

Now in the Wizards' frontcourt, his position on the depth chart is behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.

This means fewer touches, fewer shot attempts, and potentially reduced playing time.

But this could be the most important season of his career.

Ayton's contract will expire after this season, which means he must make the most of every opportunity. Even if his role is reduced, he still has a chance to prove that he can change games.

Sometimes, a new chapter in life begins with taking a step back and building up.

Source: Instagram