The Washington Wizards asked Deandre Ayton to come off the bench for the first time since 2020, and the former number one overall draft pick is embracing his role. Washington has Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr starting in the frontcourt. Ayton knew he would be coming be a reserve from the moment the Wizards traded two second round selections and Jaden Hardy to acquire him. The seven-footer has silenced any doubts about his potential buy-in after three games.
Ayton has struggled with his role in the past. The 28-year-old wanted more touches and to be paid like a superstar in Phoenix. He created the nickname DominAyton and wasn’t always happy with his role (subscription required) on the Trail Blazers. It seemed like this trade could quickly turn into a disaster for the Wizards, but it has been anything but.
Ayton looks fully locked in, despite only getting 15.3 minutes per game over the first three contests. He’s averaging 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 76.9 percent from the field. There have been impressive moments, and more evidence that Ayton is bought into his role.
Deandre Ayton is doing the little things for the Wizards
Ayton isn’t asking for touches or minutes. He is comfortable setting screens and rolling to the rim. Lakers fans are likely wondering where this version was last season. Ayton’s energy fluctuated, and he wasn’t always locked into the scheme. This looks like a different DA than any of his previous three franchises have seen.
Ayton took two shots against the Raptors and hasn’t played more than 16.3 minutes in any game. In years past, he would be voicing frustration with his role or touches, but not in Washington. The big man seems genuinely happy and has helped Washington start with a 2-1 record for the first time since 2022.
Drew Gooden praised Ayton on the Wizards’ broadcast in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls with this statement.
"Deandre Ayton has cracked the code on how to stay in the NBA for 20 years. A lot of guys have an ego from starting and being a number one pick. When they finally have to take a role to come off the bench, their ego can't take it, but not him. He's bought into this team. He's bought into his role, and I'm loving it."
Gooden was the fourth overall pick in 2002 and went on to have a 14-year NBA career as a role player. He knows plenty about putting your ego away and becoming an impactful piece of a contending roster. Gooden never won a championship, but he played in 64 playoff games, including being a starter on the Cavaliers 2007 squad that reached the NBA Finals with a young LeBron James.
Gooden sees Ayton making that shift from high draft pick to impactful reserve. It is a win for Washington. They now have one of the best backup centers in the league, and DA has plenty to play for.
Deandre Ayton is playing for a new contract
The big man opted in to his $8.1 million player option before the Lakers traded him to the nation’s capital. Los Angeles was happy to get two second-round draft picks after paying handsomely for Walker Kessler, but it looks like the Wizards got a steal in this trade.
Ayton will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. He is playing for his next contract. The 28-year-old opted in because there wasn’t a bigger deal available in free agency. DA doesn’t want to become a minimum player because it is extremely difficult to rebuild market value after that.
Ayton is playing for a hefty payday, and he knows the best way to get one is completely buying into his role with the Wizards.
Deandre Ayton is helping the Wizards win
Ayton was spotted working with Patrick Ewing on his post game, and it is these little things that has everyone excited about his buy-in.
When Ayton has been the lone big man on the floor, the Wizards have a plus-10.5 net rating. There have been some issues playing him with Anthony Davis because of the lack of spacing. That is on head coach Brian Keefe and not Ayton. When DA is in the game, he is rebounding, setting screens, and impacting winning.
The Wizards haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and haven’t won a playoff series since 2017, but their rebuild is over. Washington wants to win. It is why they added veterans like Davis, Trae Young, Khris Middleton, and Ayton to help their young core grow. The Wizards have won two of their first three games and still haven’t had number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa on the floor.
Deandre Ayton is fully bought into coming off the bench and helping the Washington Wizards win. Drew Gooden took notice, and he is far from the only one. This is a different version of Ayton. He is happy playing his role and helping this young squad have success. It is a we first mentality, which is exactly what a role player needs.
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