DeAndre Ayton opens up about how fans perceive him, how that's impacted him personally, and how he's staying motivated this offseason.
Ever since the Suns drafted DeAndre Ayton 1st overall in 2018, he's been a valuable piece and key contributor in their rebuild. In Ayton's first season with the team, the Suns finished 19-63. However, by Ayton's third year, (2020-21 season) the Suns would move up to second in the Western Conference and finish with a record of 51-21.
Despite dragging them from the depths of the Western Conference standings, Ayton has repeatedly been the scapegoat for a Suns team that perpetually underperforms in the playoffs. Admittedly, certain expectations come along with being the first-overall pick.
But, in Ayton's case, is the ridicule really deserved?
Suns: DeAndre Ayton wants to change the narrative
In an interview with Eyewitness News Bahamas, Ayton revealed the impact that the ridicule has had on him. Ayton said:
"I can feel the whole world hating me in a way. I think I'm the guy a lot of people point at and I see it and feel it. Mainly what I've been working on five to six days a week since we lost is just motivating myself to change the narrative of what people think about me."
To be the first overall pick, you've got to be mentally and physically tough. Ayton opened up about the lack of support he's feeling and how he's used that as motivation.
"No matter how you put it, I feel like I have no fans out here. You know? And I can feel it because the whole world is saying it, and my goal this whole summer is to change the narrative. Just unlock whatever it is and just completely focus on me and change that thing."
According to ESPN's Player Efficiency Rating, DeAndre Ayton was the 17th-best center in the league last year, with an impressive 9.6 EWA (estimated wins added). As a Sun, Ayton is averaging 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
After losing to the Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, DeAndre Ayton looks to quiet the haters and enter next season with something to prove.