Suns’ Ayton starts in return, says lesson learned
LOS ANGELES — Deandre Ayton had to wait a little bit longer than he would have liked before finally returning from his 25-game suspension.
On the way to Staples Center to face the LA Clippers on Tuesday, Ayton and the Phoenix Suns’ second bus got stuck in typical L.A. traffic. But Ayton made it to the arena over an hour before tip and could not wait to resume his second season, which was put on hold after just one game due to a suspension for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug program and testing positive for a diuretic.
“It’s frustrating and I know what I did and it was the biggest mistake and unintentional mistake that happened in my life,” Ayton said of his time away from playing. “It was something to learn from and build from it. It’s a mistake and everybody makes mistakes. It’s just how you bounce back really. I think that is what everybody is waiting for. I did my time so I’m here.”
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, didn’t appeal the suspension because he said he wanted to focus on getting better and not be a distraction to the team. During the suspension he was able to stay close to the team and practice while working on his game and his body. He said he’s grateful to the Suns for sticking by him.
“I learned that I have a … this organization that I am part of, really loves me and supports me,” Ayton said. “They helped me through this journey and I matured a lot.”
“It was tough when they played and I had to leave the arena on a game day,” Ayton added. “Practicing with them and talking to the guys and being a part of the practice, didn’t really keep me far. The guys talking to me, not leaving me out, stuff like that. They handled their business [without me].”
The Suns have exceeded expectations this season with their 11-15 start entering their game against the Clippers. Now they get to add a 7-footer who had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in the season opener.
“He’s not a normal player or athlete,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “He’s 7 feet tall, a freak athlete, who can shoot the ball, block shots, how many times can you get that 25-26 games into the year without making a trade?”
“… He was in the weight room a ton,” Williams added. “His body has changed a little bit.”
Ayton said he used the time off to work on his face-up game and dribbling. And he also learned some hard lessons on how to take care of his body more.
“I did not know what I put in my body,” Ayton said. “I was guilty of it and it is what it is.
“Closing the circle much tighter and probably cooking my own food maybe,” Ayton added on how to avoid repeating the mistake. “That’s about it.”