Deandre Ayton is 'all in' with Phoenix Suns, eager to begin pro career

The Chosen Sun

Deandre Ayton is normally the life of the party. The center of attention. The 7-footer is hard to miss, but usually his charismatic and goofy personality is what draws a couple of smiles and chuckles out of anyone who is around him.

When Ayton was an Arizona Wildcat playing in the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas, he said he's an entertainer and loves "to entertain people."

During the Phoenix Suns media day on Monday, Ayton was just like any wide-eyed rookie entering his first year in the pros, sedated and focused on business.

With the season on the horizon, Oct. 17 versus the Dallas Mavericks, Ayton is prepared to begin the next chapter of his life for what should be a prosperous career in the NBA. Ayton, Devin Booker, newly acquired Ryan Anderson, first-year head coach Igor Kokoskov and general manager Ryan McDonough spoke to the media on Monday, here's what they had to say.

Ayton's rivalry with Joel Embiid

.@DeandreAyton on @JoelEmbiid’s comments from last week: “I can’t really say anything. I haven’t put the ball in the hoop.”Embiid said “he’s going to get his ass kicked” to @RachelNichols1 on ESPN’s The Jump. pic.twitter.com/tQoOTZbon1

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Suns GM Ryan McDonough on the @DeandreAyton-@JoelEmbiid rivalry: pic.twitter.com/2udJmytgRa

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Devin Booker

Devin Booker on Deandre Ayton: pic.twitter.com/7lKPYEOioR

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Suns GM Ryan McDonough

Suns GM Ryan McDonough on No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton: “He does some things not a lot of guys in the NBA can do.” pic.twitter.com/GZrVfCjySU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Suns GM Ryan McDonough: “Our goal is to be the most improved team in the league.” pic.twitter.com/IBKK1ktXub

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Suns GM Ryan McDonough says Ryan Anderson is a better fit around Deandre Ayton than Marquese Chriss. pic.twitter.com/gJbs5E4WNk

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Igor Kokoskov

First-year Suns Coach Igor Kokoskov says he likes what Deandre Ayton brings to the team, but knows he’s still just a rookie. “My job is to help him find himself.”Kokoskov also says he’s been in contact with Sean Miller about coaching Ayton. pic.twitter.com/P3kEZ7SqKr

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Ryan Anderson

Newly acquired Suns forward Ryan Anderson compares Deandre Ayton to his former teammates Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis. “D.A. is advanced. ... He’s very smart, very mature and he’s got a bright future.” pic.twitter.com/Xu2bWUAPbi

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Ayton's sick kicks

Deandre Ayton’s kicks at @Suns media day. @PUMAHoops pic.twitter.com/R7Wi0rKqkU

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton’s first comments at the podium: “Do I have to do this next year?” 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/YrxtHRovhE

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 24, 2018

Deandre Ayton on Ryan Anderson and Dragan Bender: “Those guys were born with a jump shot. I gotta be down low and be the mean guy.” pic.twitter.com/MzyKMVy0HG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Deandre Ayton says Suns legend Steve Nash texts him advice frequently. Ayton also adds the most memorable moment as an Arizona Wildcat was his 26-point, 20-rebound performance against Cal in his last game at McKale Center. pic.twitter.com/1KYrlxqHo5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018

Deandre Ayton on what he’s learned from offseason workouts: “These dudes take this stuff seriously. I’m all in.” pic.twitter.com/xSYAecx77U

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 24, 2018