NBA Coach Benched Player On Friday For Not Liking His Spirit

For most of his NBA career, Deandre Ayton hasn’t lived up to expectations.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft has shown glimpses of great defense, but he hasn’t been willing or able to sustain that for long stretches.

He also hasn’t stepped up on offense, and it’s already become evident that he’s not the franchise player teams thought he would be.

Notably, a lot of that has to do with his demeanor.

He got on Monty Williams’ bad side when he was with the Phoenix Suns, and it now seems like the same is happening to him with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Following a loss to the Utah Jazz, Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said he benched Ayton in the second half because of his attitude.

“I didn’t like his spirit in the game,” Billups said, via Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620.

Chauncey Billups on why Deandre Ayton only played the first two minutes of the second half: "I didn't like his spirit in the game."

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 7, 2024

Truth be told, that’s valid, given Ayton’s history.

He’s making a lot of money, and has a lot of talent, so watching him go through the motions might infuriate any coach.

Also, Billups used to be there in the trenches as a former player himself, so he knows when someone isn’t giving his all.

Portland added its big man of the future, Donovan Clingan, in the 2024 NBA Draft.

When healthy, Robert Williams III also gives them a strong defensive punch.

That might make it difficult for Ayton to find his way on the floor if he doesn’t start pushing himself and proving that he wants to be out there.

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