Rumors

Jamaican-Bahamian NBA star Deandre Ayton, together with his Ayton Family Foundation, has expanded his philanthropic efforts to Jamaica by opening a revitalized community center in St. Elizabeth. The Cedar Spring Community Center will provide vital resources such as food, games, school supplies, health services, and more to the local community.

kaboommag.com

Ayton recently visited the island with his family, including his mother, who is of Jamaican descent, and former NBA star Dwight Howard, to mark the opening. “Back to where it all began. Together, we opened the doors to a renewed Cedar Spring Community Center in St. Elizabeth,” Ayton shared on Instagram. “Jamaica — the first AFF project on the island! With food, games, school supplies, health services, and a lot of love, we celebrated the strength and joy of this beautiful community.”

kaboommag.com

Jovan Buha: I’ve heard they have a good rapport—like, by NBA standards, a good rapport between Luka (Doncic) and Deandre Ayton. They share an agent. They were two of the top three picks in the same draft—the 2018 draft. Ayton went first, Luka went third. Their families have met each other. They have a relationship. Luka, I’ve been told, was on board with Ayton coming in. He gave the stamp of approval. He’s excited to have a pick-and-roll partner. And Deandre Ayton, for all the discourse around him, has been statistically one of the most efficient pick-and-roll finishers, lob threats, over the last few years. So I think Luka is excited—certainly an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, let’s say. This is a guy who’s been a double-double every year of his career. Obviously, there’ve been some questions about his motor and whatnot. But I think he’s effectively in a contract year, so he’s got a lot to prove.

YouTube

Lakers Daily: Deandre Ayton says LeBron hasn't texted him yet since he joined the Lakers 😬 "Not really yet, but I definitely got a text from Luka"

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The Warriors, according to multiple league sources, were not among the teams that lined up to gauge Ayton’s interest – despite some reports stating otherwise. Golden State’s lack of interest is curious because Ayton would have been a clear upgrade at center. The 7-foot, 250-pound Bahamian would address the team’s dearth of interior length. He runs the floor well. His midrange shooting bends defenses. He’s the only active player to average scoring/rebounding double-doubles in each of his first seven seasons, and he has career averages of 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.

NBC Sports Bay Area

Speaking at his press conference, Ayton said he has heard that Doncic has gotten "ripped" in preparation for the coming season. "It feels like a video game, like somebody set it up," Ayton said after being asked about teaming with his draftmate. "I think somebody set this up. But, honestly, this is an opportunity I won't take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player. Hearing the shape he's in, he's super ripped. I'm finally glad to be on this side while he's doing all of that. I'm truly excited."

CBSSports.com

Deandre Ayton: I have a team that's ready to win a championship and has the best two playmakers in the world. I know the type of player I am when I have players of that caliber around me — how I thrive and the contribution they'll get out of me.

YouTube

Some former teammates and coaches have said your talent is undeniable, but sometimes there's a question of willingness. How do you respond to that kind of criticism? DeAndre Ayton: I don’t answer to that. When it comes to willingness — I’m willing to do anything for the team. The goal is winning, and that’s what slowed me down in the past. You haven’t seen that Finals version of me because the environments were focused on development — not winning. That’s why I’m here. I think I’m about to turn 27. It’s time for me to be back in the conversation about winning before this thing ends.

YouTube

Have you spoken to LeBron? Have you spoken to Luka? DeAndre Ayton: Not really yet, but I definitely got a text from Luka. I know how the offseason goes. This is not my first rodeo. People are probably busy training and spending time with their families. I'm just trying to integrate myself with the team and get to know everybody.

YouTube

Mike Trudell: Ayton: "This feels like a video game. Like somebody set it up. But honestly, this is an opportunity that I won’t take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side when he’s doing all of that. And I’m just truly excited. I’m a student of the game and I love to play with a passion. And the love I have received and I’ve not even thrown on a jersey, I can only show you guys my appreciation."

Twitter

Khobi Price: When asked whether he sees himself as part of a Big 3 along with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Deandre Ayton responded, "I'll leave that up to you guys (media/reporters). Mentioned that he's here to fit into the puzzle.

Twitter

Mike Trudell: Ayton on playing with Luka and LeBron: "They both average about 9 assists over their career span, and just the type of players they create with their teammates. They turn them into superstars, they make them bigger than their roles, they make them very important on the floor. Just seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience that would be big for me. Just getting me back to my full form of how I used to play, you know, coming up and being a part of the (NBA) Finals. It’s those playmakers I’m used to having around me that’s leading to wins."

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Dave McMenamin: Deandre Ayton: “We want to win a championship right now”

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Jovan Buha: Deandre Ayton on his critics: “It fuels me. … This is a platform I can’t run from.” Ayton said he’s excited to get back to playing in a winning environment and embracing the expectations that come with playing for the Lakers.

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