Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams believes second-year center Deandre Ayton will be “hungry” when he returns from his suspension.
Ayton received a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic.
“He’s doing well,” Williams said, via the Arizona Central. “He’ll be hungry once he gets back I’m sure. When you have the game taken away from you, you just have a desire to get back on the floor not only to play, but be there for your teammates.” Ayton has to leave the arena two hours before a game, home or away, while he’s suspended, but he’s remained supportive of his teammates.”
Ayton put up 18 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes against the Sacramento Kings in the Suns' season opener while shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field.
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. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft.
This suspension wasn't a good look for Ayton. Hopefully, the Suns’ youngster learns from his mistake and comes back better than ever, both on and off the court.
The offensive burden will be heavy for Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker without Ayton. The Suns are 3-2 on the young season.
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