Portland Trail Blazers starting center Deandre Ayton showed significant improvement late in the season, rebounding from a lackluster start to become the dynamic, athletic prospect the team had envisioned. Team president Joe Cronin expressed encouragement at Ayton's growth, noting a marked transformation in his performance. Ayton's stats notably surged in 2024, with averages of 19.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks, reflecting a considerable improvement from his earlier months with the team.

By the Numbers
  • From fall 2023: 13.1 points, 54.8% shooting, 77.8% free throw shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game
  • From 2024: 19.5 points, 58.2% shooting, 86% free throw shooting, 11.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game
State of Play
  • Deandre Ayton showed substantial improvement in the latter part of the season
  • Team president Joe Cronin expressed encouragement at Ayton's growth and transformation
  • Ayton spoke positively about his experience in Portland and the development he showcased
Bottom Line

Ayton's late-season improvement reflects a positive turn in his performance, demonstrating his potential to thrive in Portland and showcasing the impact of embracing change and adapting to new environments in professional sports.