Since entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Ayton has earned over $100 million

DEANDRE Ayton has swapped the basketball court for the small screen.

The Portland Trail Blazers center, 25, made a surprise cameo appearance on a new episode of the animated comedy American Dad.

Deandre Ayton has stunned fans with a surprise cameo on American Dad. Credit: Getty

The Portland Trail Blazers center played himself during a festive episode of the cartoon comedy. Credit: FOX
Ayton appeared as himself during a festive scene where cartoon character Hayley Smith is gifted a special virtual message from her brother Steve.

She describes Ayton as her “favorite basketball player” as the family opens presents on Christmas Day.

The 7-foot-tall star isn’t animated in the scene, instead appearing in a recorded video message.

In the clip, Ayton said: “Hey Hayley, it’s me, Deandre Ayton.

“I heard you’re quite the hooper. Hope you have a great Christmas, dominate the paint, and protect the rim at all costs.”

Fans were quick to react to the unexpected cameo, with one writing on X: “Imagine Deandre Ayton being somebody’s favorite player.”

Another clearly thought Ayton was out of his comfort zone, laughing: “Polar bear in Arlington Texas.”

“Out of every athlete? Him?” a third added.

“He needs to take his own advice,” a fourth said.

But a fifth countered: “That’s cool not gonna lie.”

Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.

The towering center made an instant impact in the league, being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019.

He was traded to the Trail Blazers in a three-team blockbuster move including Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard.

This season, Ayton has put up 12.6 points per game, as well as 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals.

Still only 25 years old, the former Arizona Wildcats star has amassed $103,154,736 since entering the NBA, per Spotrac.