Suns center Deandre Ayton finds himself in a reserve role for the time being and he admits it’s an adjustment, as he told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Ayton is working his way back into top shape after a 25-game league-imposed suspension. “I’ve never been through this, but it’s new,” the top overall pick of the 2018 draft said. “I’m just holding my head high and just working.” Ayton had 18 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes against Charlotte on Sunday.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Madison Square Garden Co., which owns The Forum, has sued California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee over legislation that facilitates the construction of a new Clippers arena, Nathan Fenno of the Los Angeles Times reports. The lawsuit alleges that a bill which shields the billion-dollar development from extended environmental litigation if it met several requirements violates the state constitution, Fenno continues. MSG has two additional lawsuits pending in relation to the proposed arena, which is scheduled to open in 2024.
- Kings guard Buddy Hield signed a four-year, $86MM extension prior to the season and the franchise is holding him to a higher standard, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee relays. Head coach Luke Walton and assistant Jesse Mermuys had a candid conversation with Hield after he recently complained about his playing time. “I talked to Luke and coach Jesse, and we just sat down and they gave me a reality check,” Hield said. “There’s stuff they need me to do and stuff I need to get better at — just challenging me — and Luke is a guy who always challenges me. Him and Jesse just bring the challenge and I accept it.”
- Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is aware his name has been bandied about in trade rumors but he’s trying to block it out, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. Kuzma averaged 31 points in two games this weekend with Anthony Davis sidelined. “Nah, that’s for y’all to talk about,” Kuzma said. “I’ve been through it multiple times and obviously I see it. But it don’t even matter at this point.”
If Kuz is traded I hope it’s for a legit 3rd star I prefer to keep him n LA
They won’t get a legit 3rd star for Kuzma, but they could get someone who doesn’t play about as little defense as Melo does.
There’s no chance kuzma is traded for a third star. He’s terribly overrated, and is not a good player at all at this point. Doubt he ever becomes one, either. Seems like one of those typical situations where Lakers, Celtics, etc just get terribly overhyped
Kuz is going to need an extension and has seen his numbers decline since his rookie year. He doesn’t rebound he doesn’t pass and he doesn’t play defense and he doesn’t score efficiently I’m not sure why people think so highly of him
Kuz for Zion, but only if NOLA throws in their 2020 first rounder as sweetener.
Careful, Zion might have narcolepsy.
Are you on meth?
Nice job Suns in taking Ayton over Doncic idiots. lol
Derrick White for Kyle Kuzma and 2 second round picks.
Lakers get a Point guard thats young on a good contract and will help them. Spurs get a shooting PF which makes going an Aldridge trade easier knowing you have a back up.
Would then try trade DeRozan and the 2 seconds for Gary Harris and Hernagomez. Nuggets get a better scorer and star power, Spurs get younger. Harris would be great under Pop.
And trade Aldridge for Harrison Barnes and a protected first. Pop has been a Barnes fan for awhile and he would be being good balance to the side.
1. Murray. Mills
2. Harris. Walker. Forbes
3. Barnes. Gay. Johnson
4. Kuzma. Hernagomez. Carroll
5. Poetl. Lyles. Samaric
All you need moving forward now is a quality starting centre. Plus you have an extra first from the trades