The Los Angeles Lakers added Deandre Ayton to their team that already includes LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
But for one Boston Celtics legend, it’s still not enough to reach the NBA Finals.
“He’s been on multiple teams, this being his third team in six years,” Paul Pierce said of Ayton on FS1’s “Speak” recently. “Being the No. 1 pick and not really yet finding a home? I’m not sure how much he pushes the needle.
“He definitely fills a need for the Lakers,” he added. “But I’m not sure if he’s the answer for winning a championship.”
Pierce noted that if the Lakers had acquired someone like Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo, then he’d think the Lakers were the favorites. But because Ayton is “still trying to find his way in the NBA,” he has reservations.
Ayton is a gifted center who has size and potential to elevate the Lakers, but he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations that come with a No. 1 overall pick. A promising season in 2021 ended with a trip to the NBA Finals, but his numbers dipped over his next two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Perhaps a fresh start with two proven stars will help Ayton reach his ceiling. But Pierce is of the belief that the Lakers still need more if they want to return to the NBA Finals.
“I think they’re still in need of more athleticism and more defense on the perimeter,” Pierce said. “I think they’re a second-round ceiling.”
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