Monty Williams had a plan to create space between himself and his players after the season ended. There is a time and a place.
Deandre Ayton said he hasn't spoken with Monty Williams since he was benched during the Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Indiana Pacers made a four-year, $133 million offer to Ayton before the Phoenix Suns matched it.
After the first practice of the season on Tuesday, Ayton said he had not spoken to him since the game. I can give him better information than he can get from me. It's all part of living. It's how you perform and what you bring to the table that matters. It is already said.
Williams decided to leave players alone a little this summer to give them some space, despite Ayton working out at the facility for weeks leading up to training camp.
Williams said that 1-on-1s are needed between his friends. Some men need it and others don't. As the season goes on, I will identify that. It won't be an issue, as I always do during camp, and I will talk to everyone.
Ayton was terse in his comments to the media about how he felt about the contract talks. He has made it clear that he intends to take a business-like approach to the season, and hasn't had his usual cheerful attitude.
Ayton said he works when he's in between those lines. I am not playing for myself. I have a name on my back that I have to represent and I'm just here to work.
The Suns were eliminated by the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs. Ayton didn't play much in the game. When asked why he only said it was an internal matter.
Williams spoke to the team at the team dinner.
Williams said that much has been made of Game 7 but they addressed it as a team. I put it to sleep.
Williams said he believed Ayton could put the issues behind him.
Williams said that he was a good dude and that he was too good of a player. Sometimes you have to deal with certain issues, but that doesn't mean you're a complete person. Sometimes it gets blown out of proportion when you don't know all the facts, and that's right.
Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10 points per game.
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