Tag: DeAndre Ayton

Deandre Ayton’s possible Monty Williams beef in Suns’ Game 7 blowout loss sent fans into free agency frenzy

It’s going to be a very interesting offseason for Ayton.

It didn’t matter that the Suns had the best record in the league. With Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have arguably the best player in the league.

Everyone on Phoenix was left embarrassed by Dallas on Sunday night, but arguably no one’s humiliation was more consequential than Deandre Ayton’s. The former Arizona Wildcats star was picked No. 1 overall in the 2018 NBA draft, two spots ahead of Doncic.

While it’s been four years since then, Doncic made sure to let the world know that the Suns made the wrong call in that draft. In his final game of the season, Ayton was held to just five points. Doncic had a 35-point effort, even after taking his foot off the gas.

Last night eventually turned from bad to worse for Ayton in Phoenix.

The Suns were down by 36 points with more than eight minutes left in the third quarter. Ayton made a poor defensive play, offering no effort to close out on another uncontested 3-pointer by Dallas. It wasn’t his only defensive possession that looked ugly.

Bismack Biyombo then replaced Ayton, and it was the last we saw of the former No. 1 overall pick on Sunday. He logged less than 18 minutes in the game, less than four minutes in the third quarter, and none in the fourth.

Although nothing was captured on the television broadcast, some observers reported that Phoenix head coach Monty Williams asked Ayton if he wanted to play.

As to what was said, we can only speculate and assume. But if he never checked back in the game and other coaches had to get involved, the logical conclusions that can be drawn are not pretty.

Reporters have even used the word “altercation” to describe what happened.

It only went from bad to worse for those hoping for the best between the two parties. Phoenix lost the elimination game, 123-90, in an utterly humiliating fashion.

After the game, Williams was asked why Ayton played such limited action during the match. He was quick, short, and to the point in his response: It’s internal.

*deep breath* … Yiiiiiiiikes!

NBA fans would have loved to hear Ayton share his side of the story, but as with other internal issues around the league, that was never going to happen. The big man did not speak to the media, and suddenly the season was over.

I’m not going to pretend like I have any idea what actually happened last night between Ayton and Williams, nor will I act like I know what it means for their long-term future.

But I do know Ayton is set to enter restricted free agency, and he has a cap hold of $31.5 million. That’s a lot of money for someone who has a limited role in their offensive identity and isn’t a juggernaut on the defensive end of the floor, to be honest.

Phoenix’s front office will not be over the moon about giving Ayton max money worth $176.9 million over five years, especially with massive money owed to other players on their roster. This doesn’t seem much like a marriage destined to last for an eternity.

I don’t see a scenario where the Suns just let him walk without receiving anything back in return, though. So what does this mean for his future in the NBA?

Perhaps the most likely situation is that Phoenix finds a suitor for Ayton via sign-and-trade so they can extract some value back, especially after years of developing a top overall pick.

However, one potential destination is the Trail Blazers if he eventually leaves. As noted in this tweet by Sean Highkin, Portland superstar Damian Lillard liked a post last night suggesting that Ayton and Lillard should team up in the Pacific Northwest and win a title together.

In a potential sign-and-trade situation, Ayton could make up to $131.2 million over four years. But would a team like the Blazers have the assets necessary to push a deal through?

Other potential homes for Ayton include the Pistons, Pacers, Magic, and Spurs. Even the Grizzlies could make some sense financially if they believe he offers more than Steven Adams. I would bet the Hornets will have some interest, too.

We don’t know much yet, but we did get a wishy-washy answer from Devin Booker on the subject. I’d expect more awkwardness down the pipeline soon.

Remember: The Suns can match any offer sheet that the big man signs with another team. It might make sense for them to do that, only to trade him later.

The worst-case scenario, and also arguably the most unlikely, would be if Ayton accepts a qualifying offer of $16.4 million and then hits unrestricted free agency next year instead.

Whatever happens, Sunday night did very little to help Ayton as he heads into contract negotiation this offseason.

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Notre Dame’s NBA representation loses Game 7s badly on same day

Not a great day for Irish basketball.

Notre Dame doesn’t have a lot of NBA representation right now. The pending drafting of [autotag]Blake Wesley[/autotag] in June will help that. That help is needed because the Irish’s lone former player and player-turned-head-coach currently in the NBA were embarrassed badly Sunday. One year after [autotag]Pat Connaughton[/autotag]’s Milwaukee Bucks and [autotag]Monty Williams[/autotag]’ Phoenix Suns met in the NBA Finals, both of their teams were blown out in Game 7s of their respective conference semifinals.

The defending champion Bucks appeared headed back to the Eastern Conference finals after stealing Game 5 on the road, but the Boston Celtics rallied to win the next two games, including a 109-81 decision in the clincher. Connaughton had only two points in the final game on 1 of 6 shooting, including 0 of 5 from 3-point range. That gave him scoring averages of 10.3 for the series and 9.5 for the playoffs.

After Williams led the Suns to an NBA-leading and franchise-best 64 wins and was named Coach of the Year, it all meant nothing. The Dallas Mavericks came into Phoenix and romped their hosts, 123-90. Hopes were high that Williams could guide a roster led by Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to the Suns’ first championship. He’ll have to wait another season to try again.

It’s funny how much things can change in a year, but that’s how it goes in sports. Here’s to a better time for Notre Dame in the NBA in 2022-23.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

 

Suns’ Deandre Ayton reacts to shoulder hit from Pelicans’ Herb Jones

The officials determined the contact by Jones on Ayton was incidental and no further action was needed.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton said he is fine after taking a shot to the face from Herb Jones on Sunday in a 110-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of the playoffs.

The play unfolded with about three minutes left in the game after Jonas Valanciunas slammed in a dunk to cut the deficit to 13 points. Immediately following the play, Jones inadvertently ran into Ayton attempting to pick up Chris Paul on defense.

The replay showed that Jones’ left shoulder smashed right into Ayton’s face. Ayton was a bit dazed following the collision and the officials later reviewed the play to see if it reached the criteria for a flagrant foul. They determined the contact was incidental and no further action was needed.

Afterward, Ayton reacted to the shot by Jones.

I’m fine. If that’s how they want to start the series, then so be it. It’s a physical game, it’s the playoffs. Hits like that count. Regular season, you got 81 more after a game like that but we’re in the playoffs. It didn’t look like he did it intentionally — it’s part of the game — so I’m not really going crazy over no hit.

The reaction on social media to the hit mostly sided with Jones and the officials’ ruling that the contact was inadvertent. However, TNT analyst and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller thought it was a purposeful hit by Jones and believed the rookie could have avoided the collision.

Suns head coach Monty Williams also believed it was incidental.

I’ve got to look at the film. The coaches told me they didn’t think it was a malicious shot, but nonetheless, it was a physical game. … I’m not quite sure it was a malicious shot. I’ve got to look at the film to make sure but I didn’t see that.

Jones established himself as one of the top defenders in the league this season. He has often drawn praise from his peers for his ability on that end of the floor, including Suns guard Devin Booker. He hasn’t earned a reputation of being a reckless player and likely didn’t mean any harm.

Game 2 between the two teams is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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NBA fans are furious at Reggie Miller for suggesting Herb Jones hit DeAndre Ayton on purpose

TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller owes New Orleans Pelicans rookie Herbert Jones an apology.

I hate when I watch sports and find myself thinking more about something dumb an announcer said than actually reflecting on the game itself.

But during the fourth quarter of the first game of the series between the Suns and the Pelicans, TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller said something colossally upsetting, and I’m afraid that I can’t let it go.

New Orleans rookie Herbert Jones was making his way back to defend Chris Paul, which was his primary defensive role on Sunday. He did a fantastic job at that, too, as the veteran guard scored nearly all his points when guarded by other players on the Pelicans.

While hurrying back to cover his assignment, Jones made inadvertent contact with Phoenix big Deandre Ayton. Jones’ shoulder hit Ayton in the jaw and the center was left feeling woozy.

Miller took a look at the replay and came away with an assessment: This was intentional. To his credit, Miller played the game at an elite level and perhaps he saw something others did not.

Here is what he said, courtesy of a replay from the TNT broadcast:

“This might have been on purpose. In fact, I think it was. Because there is no need for Jones to rotate over like that. Yeah, that’s on purpose.”

However, when the officials took a look, they did not reach the same conclusion about malicious intent. For what it’s worth, after the game, both Ayton himself and Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said they did not feel that the hit was intentional.

Monty McCutchen, the senior vice president of referee development and training, concluded that Jones attempted to maneuver his way to become the on-ball defender.

He determined Jones and Ayton didn’t see one another, there was no wind-up; then, once contact was made, the rookie then checked in to make sure Ayton was okay.

Miller wouldn’t it go, and continued to spew this reckless take:

“I don’t know, Monty. That’s not incidental contact because Herb Jones knew exactly where he was going and he knew that Ayton did not see him.”

I can’t say whether Jones intended to hit Ayton, but I know during the pre-draft process, the Alabama defensive standout was touted as someone with high character.

Jones doesn’t have a reputation as a violent player. He has collected just two technical fouls and only one flagrant foul during his NBA career thus far, though many felt the one flagrant Jones received last month was excessive.

Regardless, Miller seemingly went out of his way to say Jones was malicious. But as noted by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, that sort of rhetoric from Miller could shape Jones’ reputation.

People know Miller, and by proxy, many trust him. Not as many know Jones, so when they hear a Hall-of-Famer like Miller suggest Jones is a dirty player, that is damaging and unfair. I’m not the only one who feels this way, as many NBA fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment in Miller’s actions.

Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. scorching hot for Rockets in loss to Suns

Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green combined for 43 points on 53.3% shooting, including 56.3% on 3-pointers. But Houston’s hot shooting couldn’t offset a big Phoenix rebounding edge (19).

Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green combined for 43 points on 16-of-30 shooting (53.3%), including 9-of-16 on 3-pointers (56.3%). But the hot shooting by Houston’s young guards wasn’t enough to offset a 57-38 rebounding advantage by the Suns, leading to a 129-112 Phoenix victory (box score) on Wednesday at Toyota Center.

Devin Booker scored 36 points for Phoenixon 15-of-24 shooting (62.5%), including 5-of-12 on 3-pointers (41.7%). But the biggest gap between the teams was inside, with the Suns’ frontcourt of Deandre Ayton (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Torrey Craig (21 points, 14 rebounds) often bullying the younger Rockets with their physicality. Craig made all eight of his shots, while Ayton hit 10-of-19 (52.6%) from the field.

Starting center Christian Wood (18 points, 9 rebounds in 27 minutes) was the only Houston player with more than 4 rebounds for the game.

The Rockets fell behind 14-2 early, and that set the tone on a night where the Suns (56-14) expanded their lead for the NBA’s best record and the Rockets (17-52) continued to hold the worst. However, Houston did fight back behind impressive shooting and playmaking from several guards.

Scroll on for highlights, statistics, and postgame reaction.

Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton gave us an impromptu NBA Youngboy concert and it was the absolute best

This is definitely Mikal Bridges’ favorite song.

The Phoenix Suns, man. They are just one of the most fun teams in the NBA right now.

Not just from a basketball standpoint, either. The personalities on this team are incredible. We got a taste of that during their deep playoff run last season where we saw just how tightly knit this team is. They know how to have a good time.

That was on full display yesterday during the pregame shootaround for their matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ahead of tip-off, an NBA Youngboy cut started playing on the speakers. And, all of a sudden, you could see the song just take over for Mikal Bridges.

Deandre Ayton joined in, too. He even used a mop as a mic for effect. They put on a whole concert.

This is just the absolute best, man. It’s great because you know this feeling so well. Like, I KNOW this has been all of us at one point or another.

My man is in the zone with the track right now. Nothing was taking him out of it. Luckily, he had some buddies to join in with him. And these dudes have some pretty sweet dance moves.

NBA fans felt Bridges and his guys on this one. They turned up.

2022 NBA free agent rankings: Top players available this summer

HoopsHype ranks the 50 best NBA free agents in the 2022 class, headlined by James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Zach LaVine.

With the trade deadline now behind and stars suiting up for new teams, it’s time to turn our eye to the offseason as far as the player-movement market.

Led James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal, the 2022 free-agent class is heavy on guards at the top, though does feature wings and bigs who will be highly sought-after.

Below, check out our rankings for the top players available for the 2022 NBA free-agent class.

2022 NBA free agent rankings: Top players available this summer

With the trade deadline now behind and stars suiting up for new teams, it’s time to turn our eye to the offseason as far as the player-movement market.

Led James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal, the 2022 free-agent class is heavy on guards at the top, though does feature wings and bigs who will be highly sought-after.

Below, check out our rankings for the top players available for the 2022 NBA free-agent class.

The Suns, Monty Williams are scorching the NBA on a path of redemption

You don’t want to look directly into these Suns, you could hurt your eyes.

One of the most challenging tasks in sports is to pick yourself up off the mat after a devastating championship defeat. In a moment where you gave it your all, where the peak of your professional sphere was within grasp, you fell short. Any ensuing effort, by comparison, doesn’t feel worth the trouble anymore. Why try? Failure will be inevitable and only heartbreaking again. It’s here, in this mental space, where many runner-ups suffer letdowns or hangovers. They’re not as stellar, not as hungry, not as healthy, or all three, and they don’t meet expectations. They don’t even come close to the bar.

That is decidedly not a problem for this year’s Suns.

We’re nearing the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, a natural break in the action, and the Suns are an astonishing 41-10. They’ve won 11 of their last 12 games in the approximate last month, including victories over other heavyweights like the Jazz (twice) and Nets. This sort of dominance, of course, comes after they lost one of the more exciting but exhaustive NBA Finals in recent memory to the Bucks last June.

How did they do it? How did they not let past failure dictate their present, the way any excellent self-help book tells you to avoid such a prospect?

In four words: Head coach Monty Williams.

In his fourth season at the helm in Phoenix, the 50-year-old Williams continues to push all the right buttons. Usually, two Coach of the Month honors in a season that is only three months old would be enough to demonstrate his uncanny ability to push his team. But you can’t help but be impressed that this rampage comes after such a Finals defeat. The easy decision for Williams and the Suns would have been to pack it in, to let last year be their defining moment. But they didn’t. He didn’t let them.

The Suns may have a loaded roster featuring Devin Booker (a 2022 All-Star), Chris Paul (also a 2022 All-Star), and DeAndre Ayton, among others, along with a deep bench led by Cameron Johnson and Bismack Biyombo. Yet it takes a unique, honed-in leader to maximize and develop such a group. Williams is one of those rare leaders. At this moment, Tipico Sportsbook has Williams at -130 to win his first-ever NBA Coach of the Year award. Those odds feel exceptionally safe in his hands.

Try and say this isn’t a guy beloved by his players. You’d be a heinous liar.

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t detail what the Suns did well amongst their peers. Where, oh where, to start:

  • Third in offensive efficiency, second in defensive efficiency
  • Third in scoring (113 points per game), seventh in defensive points allowed (102.5 per game)
  • First in team shooting (47.8 percent), third in opponent shooting percentage (44 percent)
  • Fourth in team three-point shooting (36.6 percent), fourth in opponent three-point shooting (33.3)
  • Fifth in assists (26.4 per game)
  • Sixth in steals (8.6 per game)

The Suns will again be a favorite to win the Western Conference and get Chris Paul his first championship. Tipico currently has Phoenix as (+260, second only to the Warriors) to win the West and (+550, third-best overall) to win the NBA title. They are the Red Giant ready to swallow up the NBA’s solar system once it expands its girth.

More than ever, it’s evident Williams has his Suns prepared to avenge their Finals defeat and nab the golden crown they believe they deserve. Stand in their way, and you might get burned.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Podcast: Deandre Ayton’s free agency, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Robert Sarver investigation

Michael Scotto and Duane Rankin discussed the Phoenix Suns’ latest news on the HoopsHype podcast.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin discussed Deandre Ayton’s future in free agency, Chris Paul’s MVP candidacy, Devin Booker’s quick turnaround from the NBA Finals and Team USA, the latest on the Robert Sarver investigation, and more on the latest edition of the HoopsHype podcast.

For more interviews with players, coaches, and media members, be sure to like and subscribe to the HoopsHype podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Listen to the podcast above or check out some snippets of the conversation in a transcribed version below.