Watch: 9 best things said at Deandre Ayton's Phoenix Suns introduction
The No. 1 overall draft pick was introduced as the newest member of the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
A new era
Updated
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
PHOENIX — It's official. Fans and reporters on Friday welcomed Deandre Ayton as the newest member of the Phoenix Suns after the franchise drafted him No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft. Ayton took a flight from New York to Phoenix on limited sleep and spent Friday afternoon greeting the crowd at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Among Ayton were the Suns' other draft picks: Villanova's Mikal Bridges, Colorado's George King, and French point guard Élie Okobo.
Suns GM Ryan McDonough called the afternoon a "historic day for the franchise" and was thrilled to start a new era of Suns basketball with his star big man at the forefront.
Ayton will play in the same state which he played high school and college ball, which called for a special press conference. Here are the best things said at Ayton's introduction:
'A dream come true'
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on when he heard Adam Silver announce his name as the No. 1 pick: “It’s a dream come true.” #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/NKq2xwcMeM
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Ayton will wear No. 22
UpdatedDeandre Ayton says he plans on wearing No. 22 for the Suns.Ayton also talks about Allonzo Trier and Rawle Alkins going undrafted. pic.twitter.com/lmHjBeuoeD
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) June 22, 2018
Relationship with Bridges
UpdatedDeandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges on their relationship before the #NBADraft: pic.twitter.com/Sih2UxRbtW
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Living up to the hype
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on his expectations: pic.twitter.com/aDA889hJc0
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
How does one defend Deandre Ayton?
UpdatedFormer @cubuffs guard George King on how to defend Deandre Ayton: “Try your best.” pic.twitter.com/SZHAC7QtNC
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Phoenix's young core
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on joining the Suns’ young core of Devin Booker and Josh Jackson: “We’re gonna take it to the next level. ... We can start a winning legacy.” pic.twitter.com/S02p7wbSWE
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Sean Miller will always be welcome in Phoenix
UpdatedPhoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov says Sean Miller will always be invited to practices and training camp. pic.twitter.com/j3aW6eX2SJ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Beef with The Process
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on @JoelEmbiid’s tweet that Ayton can’t play defense: “No comment.” pic.twitter.com/KqOqR4IYHD
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
Catching some Zs
UpdatedDeandre Ayton got a quick nap on the plane from New York to Phoenix, but that’s about it. It’s been a chaotic 24 hours for the former Wildcat. pic.twitter.com/pvk4E0rx6B
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 22, 2018
