Is Deandre Ayton Really in the Same Statistical Class as Jokic, Giannis, AD, and Embiid? Exploring Jason McIntyre's Bold Take
Basketball debates thrive on bold statements, and
Jason McIntyre's
recent claim that
Deandre Ayton
is 'statistically in the same class' as Nikola Jokic,
Giannis Antetokounmpo
, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid—if only he wanted to be in Portland—has sent NBA fans into a frenzy.
But does the data back up this hot take, or is it just another case of sports talk hyperbole? Let's dive in, stat by stat, and find out.
The Big Men: A Statistical Snapshot
Let's set the scene by looking at the statistical pillars of today's elite big men. Here's how these five stack up in their recent prime years:
Player
Points Per Game
Rebounds Per Game
Assists Per Game
FG%
Blocks Per Game
Nikola Jokic
25–27
11–13
7–9
55–63%
0.7–1.0
Giannis Antetokounmpo
28–31
11–13
5–6
55–60%
1.0–1.5
Anthony Davis
24–27
10–12
2–4
51–56%
2.0–2.5
Joel Embiid
27–33
10–12
3–4
50–54%
1.5–2.0
Deandre Ayton
16–18
10–11
1.5–2
58–63%
0.7–1.0
While
Deandre Ayton's
field goal percentage is elite—often better than his superstar peers—his scoring and playmaking lag behind the MVP-caliber centers. Where Ayton shines is in efficiency and rebounding, but he hasn't yet matched the all-around dominance of Jokic, Giannis, or Embiid.
Head-to-Head: Deandre Ayton vs. the Elite
DeAndre Ayton on why he chose the Lakers and teaming up with Luka and LeBron
Ayton Against Nikola Jokic
- Ayton's averages vs.
Nikola Jokic
: 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game (in 15 matchups).
- Jokic's averages vs. Ayton: Typically higher, with more assists and a larger offensive role.
Ayton Against Joel Embiid
- Ayton's averages vs. Embiid: 12.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists in 9 games.
Ayton holds his own in these matchups, but the superstars often outpace him in scoring and playmaking, especially in high-stakes games.
The 'Portland Problem': Did Ayton's Motivation Drop?
Jason McIntyre's assertion that Ayton 'just didn't want to be in Portland' hints at the psychological side of sports.
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After being traded from Phoenix, Ayton's numbers and impact with the Trail Blazers were steady but not spectacular. Reports and speculation swirled about his engagement and fit with the team, fueling rumors that he wasn't fully invested in Portland's rebuild.
The Case for Ayton's Statistical Class
What Makes Deandre Ayton Special?
-
Efficiency: Deandre Ayton's shooting percentages rival or surpass those of Jokic and Giannis, making him one of the most efficient big men in the league.
- Rebounding: He consistently averages double-digit rebounds, a hallmark of elite centers.
- Durability: Ayton has avoided the injury woes that have plagued Davis and Embiid at times.
What Holds Him Back?
- Scoring Volume: Ayton's points per game trail the MVPs by a significant margin.
- Playmaking: He's not the offensive hub that Jokic is, nor does he create for others at a high level.
- Defensive Impact: While a solid rim protector, he doesn't anchor a defense like Davis or Embiid.
My Verdict: Is Jason McIntyre's Take Justified?
Statistically, Deandre Ayton is in the conversation with the NBA's best big men in terms of efficiency and rebounding, but he hasn't reached their heights as a scorer, playmaker, or defensive anchor. Jason McIntyre's claim is partly rooted in Ayton's potential—his physical tools and flashes of dominance suggest he could join the elite if fully motivated and given the right role. However, the numbers show there's still a gap between Ayton and the likes of Jokic, Giannis, AD, and Embiid.
What If Ayton 'Wanted It'?
Imagine a world where Ayton brings the same intensity as Giannis or the all-around brilliance of Jokic. With his size, touch, and athleticism, Ayton could be a perennial All-Star. For now, he's the NBA's ultimate 'what if'—a player with the tools to join the pantheon of greats, but still searching for the right situation and motivation to get there.
Also read:
Messi or Michael Jordan? Giannis Antetokounmpo Shuts Down IShowSpeed in Viral GOAT Debate
In the end, Deandre Ayton's story is far from over. If he finds that fire, maybe Jason McIntyre's prediction won't sound so wild after all. Until then, the stats—and the eye test—say he's knocking on the door, but not quite inside the club.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
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