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Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton made his much awaited return to the hardcourt after missing 25 games due to suspension. Last year's no. 1 overall pick spoke on his first game back and admitted that he needs to work on catching up with the Suns' pace on offense, per Ben Golliver of The Washington Post.
Suns’ Deandre Ayton on first impressions after missing 25 games with drug suspension: “These dudes are moving the ball fast. I’ve got to hurry up and wake up to the pace of the offense. Three swings and my legs were burning after two screens. I’ve got to get back in my groove.” pic.twitter.com/wP8Qeps6yX
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) December 18, 2019
Ayton will surely need some time and more reps to get up to speed and into game shape. But as a 6-foot-11, 250-lb. big man returning to a Suns team that ranks 8th in pace, that might require a lot more work.
Nevertheless, for someone who missed nearly two months of action, he did look good in his first game back since opening night. Ayton recorded a double-double in their 120-99 loss against the L.A. Clippers.
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He posted 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, and went 9-of-19 from the field in 24 minutes. Ayton actually tweaked his ankle during the game, though said he is fine.
The NBA handed down a hefty suspension to the former Arizona stand out for testing positive for a diuretic. Ayton expressed his disappointment and embarrassment for what happened, and vowed to be better moving forward.
Now seemingly with a chip on his shoulder, Ayton is looking to make an impact to a Suns team that is slightly on the decline after starting off the season surprisingly well. Their loss to the Clippers marked their fourth loss in a row and their 11th in 15 games.
With their force in the middle back in the fold, Phoenix will look to get back on track when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
