“Money Don’t Matter”: De’Andre Ayton Opens Up on Never-Ending Struggles in Portland Amid Breakout Stretch

Published 03/18/2024, 4:08 PM EDT

DeAndre Ayton has faced challenges this season which include a slow start, injuries, adjusting to a new city and team, and personal struggles. Despite these obstacles, the 25-year-old opened up after Thursday night’s loss to the New York Knicks. He spoke about overcoming these challenges and showing the potential the Portland Trail Blazers believed in when they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns before training camp. Yet, it became a demanding journey.

In the Blazers Focused Podcast the center said, “I got all the money in the world but at the same time, some of this is inhumane where money don’t matter, just having your people around and the support you need,” mentioned Ayton in the podcast.

Earlier this season, Ayton’s approach was less assertive. According to Ayton, he was still adjusting to the offense and playing alongside new teammates. However, there were deeper reasons behind his struggles. The core reason behind his struggles is primarily his move to Rip City, Ayton played five seasons of his NBA career in the Suns. Suns drafted the Big man First-overall in 2018, and he had been a mainstay in the team ever since.

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The change to Portland did affect his play, “Just being comfortable in waking up. I didn’t have a bed for quite some time. I was on an air mattress. Just trying to figure this out.” In the first half of the 2023-24 season in Portland, Ayton didn’t meet expectations and couldn’t become the dominant force inside the Trail Blazers had hoped for. “My body wasn’t just my body, People forget the humane difference of me adjusting to everything,” said Ayton.

Part of his difficulties may stem from being restricted to only 45 games this year due to injuries. However, things are looking up for Ayton now.

DeAndre Ayton has found a footing

Before the NBA All-Star break, Ayton averaged 13.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 37 games, shooting 56.0 percent from the field. However, in the eight games following the break, the 25-year-old has improved significantly, averaging 24.5 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 64.3 percent from the field.

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Now with this newfound streak, Ayton must have a pulse in his overall health, which includes his form. This would mean a better chance next season to have a breakout season and also for the city of Portland to have a new star after their very own left for Milwaukee. Do you think DeAndre can do it?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by:

Akashdeep Banerjee is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He commenced his journey in sports writing after obtaining a degree in Mass Communication. The pinnacle of the three-point revolution, marked by the captivating performances of Stephen Curry and the GSW, ignited his passion.

Edited by:

Jacob Gijy

“Money Don’t Matter”: De’Andre Ayton Opens Up on Never-Ending Struggles in Portland Amid Breakout Stretch

DeAndre Ayton has found a footing

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