The NBA is a volatile business in every aspect of its existence. “Job stability” is always more of a concept than it is a reality. Coaches can be kicked to the curb less than two calendar years after delivering their employer the ultimate prize. One bad signing and your reputation as a decision-maker is in doubt. Heck, post an unpopular take online and forever have your intelligence questioned.
For Deandre Ayton, a poor Game 7 seems to have eroded a fair portion of goodwill built up across the past two seasons. This isn’t to say Ayton is undeserving of criticism, rather, the winning skill-set he can provide a team appears to have become lost amidst the warts of his game.