The Karl Malone Award recipient and prominent center of the Portland Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton, went through struggles, and it took time for him to adjust to his new surroundings. He has recently shared about his journey after coming to the Portland club from the Suns.
The center was selected in the 2018 NBA Draft in the first round as the first overall pick. With the Suns, he played from 2018 to 2023 and then was traded to the Blazers. The eminent center also touched on the fact that he used to sleep on an air mattress during his early days of struggle.
Deandre Ayton says that sleeping on an air mattress earlier in the season could have contributed to his early season struggles
“My body wasn’t just my body. People forget the humane difference of me adjusting to everything. That included something as routine as getting proper… pic.twitter.com/qkEglqQ14c
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 18, 2024
According to Oregon Live, Ayton shared, “My body wasn’t just my body. People forget the humane difference of me adjusting to everything. That included something as routine as getting proper sleep. Just being comfortable in waking up. I didn’t have a bed for quite some time. I was on an air mattress. Just trying to figure this out.”
Ayton has now solidified his presence on the court and has had an average of 29 points, and 16.8 rebounds throughout the last four games. The center also shared his thoughts surrounding his family and changes they had to consider.
The center has stated, “I got all the money in the world but at the same time, some of this is inhumane where money don’t matter, just having your people around and the support you need.”
However, Ayton now feels that his life and body are in equilibrium and he is confident in his vision and his play. Regarding his abilities, he mentioned, “I just want people to believe no matter what the game is, no matter how it looks, regardless, no matter the fact, I’m gonna try my best way to make winning plays. That’s just it. Whether it’s me scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, cheering on my teammates, getting them going, making plays, just rolling to the rim, not getting the ball, it don’t matter. I’m just trying to show everybody I can do it all.”
Further stating, “No matter the outcome of the game, you’re going to see I played my ass off. Played hard enough to where I tried. I feel like the whole team was like that as well. We all contributed and I tried my best to keep my energy up for my guys too, so nobody gets deflated.”
The Blazers are currently in 14th place in the Western Conference and for the season, they are 19-48. Against the New York Knicks, Ayton scored 31 points, and 14 rebounds.
