CENTER OF ATTENTION
Ayton headlines Suns’ rookie introductions
Deandre Ayton already has learned the first lesson of being an NBA rookie.
Don’t engage.
Ayton was asked Friday about a tweet Thursday night from Philadelphia center Joel Embiid. Apparently, Embiid didn’t appreciate the fact that Ayton was being likened to him.
“Don’t compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE,” Embiid tweeted.
Ayton’s response?
“I have no comment on that one,” he said. That was the only terse moment Friday, as the Suns introduced Ayton, Villanova forward Mikal Bridges, French guard Elie Okobo and Colorado guard George King to the Arizona media.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick, was, naturally, the center of attention.
He delivered the first piece of news on the day, saying he “probably” would wear No. 22 for the Suns. The No. 13 he wore at UA is un- available, the Suns having retired Steve Nash’s number.
“That’s the only one I can probably think of,” Ayton said.
Ayton, who said he didn’t sleep a minute Thursday night, called the past 24 hours “crazy.”
“It’s a dream come true,” he said of being selected No. 1. “I’m very happy to be a Phoenix Sun.”
Ayton, 19, said he welcomes the responsibility that comes from being the No. 1 pick and rescuing a Suns franchise that has missed the playoffs eight straight seasons.
“I embrace it a lot,” he said. “Throughout my career I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder when it comes to expectations, knowing I represent an entire nation (the Bahamas). … Coming in, I want to set the tone. I know I’m coming in as a rookie, but that doesn’t mean I don’t mean business on the floor as well.”
Suns coach Igor Kokoskov called Ayton “one of the unique talents that we haven’t seen in
ages,” and rebuffed the idea that Ayton would struggle defensively.
“I think he’s going to be one of the elite defenders in this league,” Kokoskov said. “He can match everything other big guys can do right now in the league.”
Ayton has known for more than two weeks that he would be the No. 1 pick and play for the Suns. Bridges, on the other hand, was drafted No. 10 by the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team — and the team that employs his mother.
Then, boom, he’s traded to the Suns for the draft rights to Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith and Miami’s unprotected 2021 first-round pick.
“I was doing some media stuff, getting some nice pictures and as I was waiting, somebody mumbled, ‘Just be prepared. You might get traded.’ I was like, ‘ What did you say?’ So I sat there and watched. It was crazy.”
Bridges, whom the Suns envision as a 3-and-D forward who can play both forward positions, said it was a blessing to join Phoenix and reunite with Ayton. The two became close friends on the college basketball postseason awards circuit.
“Going to events, being in the hotel, going on the bus, being around each other all the time cracking jokes, we built that chemistry,” Ayton said. “He’s a cool guy.”
“We were in L.A. and it felt like I knew him for years,” Bridges added. “It’s funny. We never dreamed we’d be on the same team. … After I got traded I was waiting to see him. He was hyped. I was hyped, too. It was really cool.”
Ayton and Bridges were the main attractions during the draft, but Phoenix also is high on Okobo, 20. McDonough said the Suns had the lefthanded point guard rated much higher than No. 31, and he reiterated his statement from Thursday that Okobo, who worked out for the Suns prior to the draft, will be on Phoenix’s roster in 2018-19.
“I knew they really liked my game and the way I was playing, but I didn’t know exactly where I was going to get picked,” Okobo said. “I’m really happy to be here today as part of this organization.”
Asked about Okobo, Kokoskov said, “I love his game.”
“I think he can be one of the elite point guards in this league,” Kokoskov added.
“He’s crafty, great ball-handler. One thing that really drew our attention is how fast his game changed in the last six months and a year. We’re hoping that’s going to go up and we’re going to help him become even better.”
King, the No. 59 pick, likely will get a two-way contract, McDonough said. King did have his moment on Friday, though. Colorado and Arizona played against each other three times last season so King was asked to give his scouting report on Ayton.
He smiled.
“Try your best,” he said.