He is struggling to rediscover his form

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton going up for a shot Jeff Chiu AP

Portland Trail Blazers star Deandre Ayton is facing a challenging period both professionally and personally. While struggling on the court since leaving the Phoenix Suns, Ayton’s personal life has come under scrutiny.

Earlier in December his ex-girlfriend, Katt Leya, took to social media to addresse online speculation regarding their breakup
“So Im guessing this was all fake,” she noted.
“Of course I end up looking like the fool the slut the bad guy. Im closing this chapter with you a coward. Why drag me along if you had other intentions, why involve my family the most sacred thing I have in my life….
“Take care of yourself before you go lying telling people you left me no I left you. I was reading the signs, left PDX and you proved to me that I was right all along.”

Although Ayton’s drama may not steal the spotlight, it adds another layer to what has been a difficult period for the player.

Despite the hope for a fresh start in Portland, Ayton has yet to establish himself as a respected big man in the league. The question now arises whether Ayton can rejuvenate his career with the Blazers.

At the receiving end of criticism last season

Ayton faced significant controversy and criticism in the NBA last season, particularly due to his strained relationship with coach Monty Williams and the Phoenix Suns.

The situation worsened after the Suns’ loss to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 playoffs, with fans blaming Ayton for shortcomings despite his rib contusion.

“I can feel the whole world hating me in a way,” Ayton said.

“I’m the guy a lot of people point at and I see it and feel it, but mainly what I’ve been working on five to six days a week since we’ve lost is just motivating myself to change the narrative of what people think about me.”