Deandre Ayton Reflects on Time With Suns

Former Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton downplayed his first opportunity to face his former team.

PHOENIX -- Little preseason games have garnered such attention in the Valley such as tonight's matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.

Scoot Henderson - one of the top picks in the NBA Draft - will surely be fun to watch in just a few hours at the Footprint Center. The Suns' big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are set to make their home debut, too.

The real reason for the chatter around town though rests on the frame of Portland center Deandre Ayton, who was dealt by Phoenix at the tail end of the offseason after years of trade speculation. 

Ayton - the organization's only No. 1 pick - failed to live up to the hype during his stint with the Suns despite flashes of what could have been. 

Now, on the verge of his return, Ayton isn't looking to make anything more out of tonight than what it is: a basketball game.

"I don't feel anything, I'm about to play against the Phoenix Suns," said Ayton (h/t Duane Rankin). 

"Definitely some remarkable moments [that] I appreciate that I take with me. Learning how to win, taking that with me as well. Knowing how hard it is to get a tradition going and to get guys going on the same level. That's the type of things I'm taking with me to share to these younger guys."

"I don't feel anything. I'm about to go play against the Phoenix Suns."

Portland Trail Blazers big Deandre Ayton when asked his feelings when walking into Footprint Center after playing five seasons with the Phoenix Suns. #Suns #RipCity pic.twitter.com/5n0zbNBUq1

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 16, 2023

Ayton also gave props to the Suns for trading him to Portland instead of other potential options. 

"Them having the power to really send me anywhere they want, they sent me to where I could be valued and be appreciative of things I want in my career. They didn't just throw me anywhere, they threw me where [there was] guys my age ... It could have been worse. I really got blessed to be a part of an organization that really valued me."  

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST.