The Portland Trail Blazers were hoping that former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton would benefit from a change of scenery coming over from Phoenix to Portland. It had the opposite effect, as Ayton had an underwhelming two seasons with the Blazers. He's coming off a career low in points (14.4 per game). That lack of productivity, combined with Portland investing consecutive first-round picks at the center position, ultimately led to the Blazers buying Ayton out, who landed with the Los Angeles Lakers shortly after.
But was Ayton really the problem in Portland?
Ayton is a starting-caliber center, and the talent is clearly still there for someone who's in his prime at 27 years old.