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Deandre Ayton Interview
InsideHoops.comFebruary 15, 2019
5:21 p.m. ET
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Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton is averaging 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds so far this season. Excellent numbers. He's playing in tonight's Rising Stars game at 2019 All-Star weekend. Below are Deandre Ayton interview quotes from the afternoon of All-Star Friday:Q. How do you sum up your first months in the NBA?
DEANDRE AYTON: It's fun. I think I'm doing okay. I have a lot more to do, a lot more to prove.
Q. What are your personal expectations for the rest of the season?
DEANDRE AYTON: Shooting the ball more. Stretching the floor. Just being consistent with that.
Q. Are you starting to feel more comfortable now?
DEANDRE AYTON: Yeah, I'm starting to get the hang of this. Being ready for the next play every day, in the next game. Every day playing hard, knowing I have to bring it. It's a job now.
Q. Is it fun seeing the guys you went through the draft class with again, like Luka and all those guys, just being able to catch up away from actual games where you're pitted against each other?
DEANDRE AYTON: Yeah, there are times where you have to think back and know that we're human. Off the court, we can just feel each other's vibe and energy and enjoy each other, instead of being competitors all the time.
Q. You said you're starting to get the hang of it. What about your game has really improved that you've seen, noticed progress?
DEANDRE AYTON: I would say being down low, being more consistent down there. Being disciplined, not really falling in love with the jump shot. In rhythm, start inside out. That's about it.
Q. What about defensively?
DEANDRE AYTON: Defensively, it's been the same. I just really want to show everybody I can switch out and guard sometimes.
Q. What do you like more, to block a shot or to dunk?
DEANDRE AYTON: I would say most definitely a dunk. A lot of emotion. It's a game changer. It brings a lot of energy, so it's contagious.
Q. Are you going to shoot threes tonight?
DEANDRE AYTON: I'm going to try. We've got some great point guards on this team, so feed the big fella a little bit.
Q. Did you have any center that you looked to as a role model when you were developing your game?
DEANDRE AYTON: Most definitely. I looked at Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett. Kevin Garnett with his intensity and his craziness and that emotion.