Suns’ Deandre Ayton says he hasn’t spoken to teach Monty Williams since Recreation 7 benching

Phoenix Suns middle Deandre Ayton stated he hasn’t spoken with head coach Monty Williams since he was benched throughout a shocking Recreation 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks final Could.

Ayton had a tense summer season with the Suns, signing a four-year, $133 million supply sheet with the Indiana Pacers earlier than Phoenix matched utilizing his restricted free agent rights.

“I have never spoken to him in any respect, ever for the reason that recreation,” Ayton informed reporters after the primary observe of the season on Tuesday. “I can present him higher than I can inform him. It is life. No person cares concerning the uncomfortable nature of it, it is the way you preform and what you convey to the desk. What’s stated is already stated.”

Ayton labored out on the Suns facility for weeks main as much as coaching camp however Williams stated he purposely determined to go away gamers alone a little bit this summer season to present them house.

“I believe 1-on-1s are at all times wanted between guys I have been round for awhile,” Williams stated. “Some guys want it and a few guys do not. I will determine that because the season progresses. I will discuss to all people as I at all times do throughout camp and it will not be a problem in any respect.”

Ayton has been terse in his feedback to the media about his emotions during the last two days about how the contract discussions performed out. He is made it clear he intends to take a business-like method to the season and hasn’t had is extra typical jovial angle.

“Once I’m in between these strains, man, I work,” Ayton stated. “I do know I am not taking part in for myself. I’ve a corporation throughout my chest and a reputation on my again I’ve to signify, I am simply right here to work.”

The Suns, the highest seed after profitable 64 video games final season, have been eradicated by the Mavs in a 33-point defeat on their dwelling ground. Ayton performed solely 17 minutes within the recreation. On the time when requested why, Williams solely stated it was an “inner” matter.

At a workforce dinner on Monday night time, Williams addressed the loss with the workforce.

“A lot has been fabricated from Recreation 7 however we addressed that final night time as a workforce,” Williams stated. “I put it to mattress final night time.”

On Monday, Williams stated he believed Ayton might put any lingering points behind him.

“He is simply too good of a participant, and he is a superb dude,” Williams stated. “There’s instances the place you bump heads on sure points, however that does not outline an individual in totality. And I believe generally that stuff simply will get blown out of proportion and rightfully so, when you do not know all of the details.”

Ayton averaged 17.2 factors and 10.2 rebounds in 58 video games final season.