Tonight the (2-1) Phoenix Suns host the the (1-2) Portland Trailblazers in their fourth preseason game. This is the second time the Suns will play against the Blazers in one week. Phoenix defeated Portland on October 12th, 122-111.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This was Deandre Ayton’s first game against his former team. He played 23 minutes and had seven points, six rebounds, and three assists. Ayton’s replacement Jusuf Nurkic played significantly better in that game. Nurkic played 21 minutes and had 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Ayton’s Feelings Toward The Suns
Prior to the first game in Portland, Ayton did not have much to say about his first game against the Suns.
Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton had zero interest in talking about facing his former team, the Phoenix Suns, on Thursday night for the first some since being traded to Portland. pic.twitter.com/c0ALpYoU8D
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) October 11, 2023
Will the emotions be different as he is back in the Footprint arena for this game? How will the Suns’ fans react to Deandre Ayton being announced? Will they boo him when he gets the ball?
Cheer. He gave what he could. No one should any animosity towards him.
— Marvin Mosley (@MarvinM92978810) October 16, 2023
Most fans have said that they should cheer Ayton and thank him for his five years of play in a Suns uniform. They have used phrases like “keep it classy”.
Do fans have a right to feel angry towards Ayton? It seems like he no longer wanted to be with the team.
Deandre Ayton said that when he got traded, he thanked the Suns for handling it the way they did and “accommodating to his wishes.”
Sounds like DA requested a trade out of Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/nfJUNczRBx
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) October 3, 2023
The fans should have no issue with Ayton wanting out of Phoenix if he was no longer happy here. We all have the right to change our circumstances to be happier as long as we give our all before the transition. Ayton gave Phoenix his all.
Ayton’s Impact as a Phoenix Sun
He was very productive during his time in Phoenix. In his five years with the Suns he averaged 16.7 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game and shot 60% from the floor. He was also the starting center on a team that went to the NBA finals.
Ayton may not have lived up to the expectations of a number one overall pick but he was solid during his time with the Suns. He played a huge role in the turnaround this team made after missing the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons.
There is a strong argument to be made that the team is not in the position it is in right now as a championship favorite without Ayton. The fans should show him some love and appreciation for the impact he had as a Sun.
Let us know if you will be booing or cheering for Ayton tonight:
Will Suns’ fans boo or cheer? ⬇️
— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 16, 2023
