Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton’s return to the lineup didn’t last long.

After returning from his PED suspension against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 17, Ayton has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury.

Suns head coach Monty Williams says the team is being cautious with Ayton so his ankle injury doesn't linger for the rest of the season:

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Ayton received a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic. The Suns began the season with a convincing win over the Sacramento Kings at home. Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, put up 18 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes while shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field against the Kings.

In his return against the Clippers, Ayton played 24 minutes and finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds on 9-of-19 shooting. The Suns are 11-19 on the season, 11th place in the West.

In his first season in the NBA, Ayton averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in 71 games while shooting 58.5 percent from the floor. People sometimes forget he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. Ayton was overshadowed by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young last season despite averaging a double-double.

Hopefully, Ayton isn’t out for too long.