Deandre Ayton on Luka Doncic: He’s a beast

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives the ball past Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton praised fellow rookie Luka Doncic and commented that the game of the Dallas Mavericks point forward doesn’t remind an NBA first-timer at all.

“I watch his games all the time. He’s a beast,” Ayton said on Doncic to The Undefeated. “I’m like, ‘Aw, what the heck, there is no way Doncic is a rookie.’ That is what I say sometimes when I watch him play. He’s been there [professionally]. He’s been in situations like this.”

Ayton also mentioned that both players carry a certain amount of respect for each other. Even prior to the NBA Draft and the first meeting between them, the Suns big guy had been following Doncic’s achievements in Europe. Actually, he made a congratulatory comment under a photo that the Slovenian player had posted on Instagram with the 2019 ACB trophy in hand.

“I don’t talk to him every day, but we’re pretty cool,” Ayton said. “The respect level is right there.”

Doncic and Ayton, both frontrunners for winning ROY, will face each other Wednesday (9/12) or Thursday early morning (2:30 CET), depending on where you live, as the Suns and the Mavericks will clash in American Airlines Center.

Photo: Getty Images

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