Phoenix Suns center and top overall selection Deandre Ayton responded to Joel Embiid's trash talk, after the Philadelphia 76ers big man teased an a**-kicking during the latest installment of The Jump.
Embiid was still irked about a draft night comparison between him and Ayton, as a lively Embiid quickly took to social media to say he plays both sides of the ball. Ayton took the modest route during Monday's Media Day, noting he'd have to put some floor time before saying anything at all, preferring to let his game do the talking for him.
“I can't really say anything, I haven't even put the ball in the hoop [yet]. All I can do is let my game talk,” said Ayton, according to Gerald Bourguet of HoopsHabit.
Ayton carries the reputation of being a double-double machine coming out of college, the same reputation that Embiid carries on his 7-foot frame during his two years in the league. There is plenty of room for comparison, with both big men offering a similar build and with the same abilities to score and rebound at will.
The Arizona product will have to carry that from college production to the pros before barking back at Embiid, who has shown some versatility with a 3-point shot, as well as the revival of an efficient old-school back-to-the-basket game.
The Suns' hopes ride with Ayton's progress, hoping that garnering the worst record in the league last season wasn't all for naught, as he becomes the center piece of this rebuild.
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