Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton played excellent basketball for the team during their run to the NBA Finals at the conclusion of the 2020-21 NBA season. While the Suns ultimately came up short, it was an experience that Ayton still appreciates as he looks to take the next step in his career.
“Even though we lost, we still had fun.”
“When I lose, it’s never a loss,” Ayton said. “I’m always learning because I know I played my ass off. I did what I can. I did what the team told me to do. Reflecting, there is so much area to grow. If I can do that and this, who is going to stop me? All I’ve been working on is getting more to the [free throw] line and being more of a threat. I already established myself as a big man in this league doing what a big man has to do. Protect the paint. …
“I’m happy we went to the Finals, the whole world is watching us and I’m not disappointed. I’m entertained by this thing. I want to do more. I’m going to do more. It’s hard to win in this league.”
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That kind of mentality is one that plenty of franchises around the league wish that their younger players would take on. Ayton got so close to achieving the ultimate goal for every player in the NBA and wants to make sure that the next time he has a chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy that he is going everything that he can to help his team bring it home.
While there are some unknowns to his future after he and the Phoenix Suns didn’t agree to an extension before the season, Ayton has not let stop him in his pursuit of taking his game to the next level. If anything, he has used it as motivation to continue getting better.
In addition to wanting to win, Ayton has set some personal goals as well. They are not going to be easy to achieve, but with how much work that he puts in, they are certainly something that can be attainable.
“I want All-Star and defensive player of the year,” Ayton said. “I really want that. I want to be on that talk of first-team defense.”
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If Ayton is able to reach those heights, the Suns will be contenders for years to come. At 23-years old, Ayton is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Getting the job done on both ends of the court will not only help Deandre Ayton achieve his goals, but push the Phoenix Suns, or whichever team that he is playing for, that much closer to an NBA title.
