Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Suns' Ayton starts in return, says lesson learned

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Tuesday, 17 December 2019 20:00

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."

Read 317 times

Soccer

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPep Guardiola said Manchester City are in for a "tough" season afte...

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMANCHESTER, England -- For 75 minutes on Tuesday night, Manchester...

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

Bayern Munich battled past 10-man Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Champions League thanks to Kim Min-...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for Tues...

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFree-agent forward Jae Crowder is close to a deal with the Sacramen...

Baseball

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- A full postseason share for the World Series champion L...

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJeff Hoffman is one of the most sought-after relievers in this offs...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated