Awkward Drama Between Deandre Ayton & Monty Williams
Speaking his mind has never been an issue for Deandre Ayton. The Phoenix Suns centre claimed he and head coach Monty Williams haven’t spoken since Phoenix’s loss to Dallas in Game 7 of the Western Conference playoffs at Footprint Center on the first day of training camp on Tuesday.
Coach Monty Williams & Deandre Ayton Not On Speaking Terms?
Right now, Deandre Ayton seems to be channelling Eric Bledsoe.
Ayton was questioned about how it felt when the Suns equalled the four-year, $133 million offer sheet he negotiated with the Pacers in the offseason following his presence at Phoenix’s Media Day.
Deandre Ayton said he and Monty Williams haven't spoken since Game 7 of Suns-Mavs series. #Suns pic.twitter.com/rdVJll9LYn
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 27, 2022
“I was content. I suppose it was all finished.” He responded “yup” when asked whether that was it.
After being questioned about how he and Suns head coach Monty Williams were able to move on from the team’s Game 7 defeat to the Mavericks, in which Ayton played only 17 minutes, Ayton was back in the news 24 hours later. Ayton didn’t provide the most persuasive response when asked if he was happy to still be in Phoenix, claiming that he hasn’t spoken to Williams “at all” since the game.
Yes, he replied, “I’m Ok. But he also mentioned concentrating on basketball.
Deandre Ayton said he and Monty Williams have not spoken about their sideline incident in Game 7: pic.twitter.com/Z9rHYHr5yX
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 27, 2022
At the team’s practice facility, Ayton stated, “I haven’t spoken to Monty. “I’ve had no communication with him. since the contest.”
Deandre Ayton responded, “I’m here,” when asked whether he hopes that will change soon.
“When I’m between those lines, I’m here to work,” Ayton said. “I’m not playing for myself. I have an organization across my chest and a name on my back I have to represent. I’m just here to work.”
Ayton later added, “I just haven’t spoken to the man. A disagreement? I don’t know anything about that.
"I haven't talked to a lot of guys."
Monty Williams addressing Deandre Ayton saying the two haven't talked since Game 7. #Suns pic.twitter.com/hDSFVuRAiK
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 27, 2022
About ten minutes later, Williams had his post-practice interview, during which he was asked whether he and Ayton should speak one-on-one soon.
Williams responded, “I think there are moments for that. “I believe that 1-on-1 conversations between guys who I have known for a while are always necessary. Some players require it, while others do not. In the course of the season, I’ll mention it.”
Williams believes that if he and Ayton don’t talk, this won’t persist.
Williams, the NBA Coach of the Year for 2021–22, responded, “No, not at all. “I’ll converse with everyone as I normally do at camp. There won’t even be a problem.”
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