Deandre Ayton Quotes

You see what happens in college and high school games today - a three-point shot or a dunk. I think that's the reason that you see a lot of that in the pros today.

Kobe is one of the best scorers in NBA history, but I don't have as much trouble with him in the post as I do with Carmelo.

My stats speak for themselves; I've got a good touch for a big man, I know I can find the back of the net.

Pau Gasol is one of the best big men in the game.

I know I can get to the basket whenever I want, but I've got to be able to create some plays, like easy plays.

Your big has to be able to make 'em pay from the perimeter.

I'll always have a score-first mentality, because that is my bread and butter on the floor.

LeBron James can get a shot off under any and all circumstances and he makes them.

I'm a playmaker, and I'm going to score. At the end of the day, my job is to put the ball in the basket.

We've been playing ugly. Without all of our bodies, we've been kicking it all over the shop, but fortunately we've been able to make the big buckets and rely on our defense for once.

I'm still going to have to go out and score, but defensively hopefully I can make them a little bit better.

You've got to understand, every kid in college basketball, if you ask them where they want to play a game, in the NBA or college, they will tell you Madison Square Garden, a huge percentage.

At Kentucky, that was my job - coming off screens, catch and shoot, spacing the floor - no hesitations. Just go right into my shot - don't focus on the defender.

It's tough to get wings deep post catches when you're playing with two bigs all the time.

Kane is one of the best big men of all-time.

Carmelo Anthony is one of the best players in the NBA.

The spacing is so much different in the NBA... There's more spacing, more 1-on-1. I got more space to do work - something I didn't get to show at Kentucky.

If you know people around me, even in college, I was confident, but the possible thought of making it to the NBA was crazy.

Josh Smith, put in the right spots, is an outstanding player. You put Josh down on the right block, in the low post or even on a short isolation - 12 feet, 15 feet from the basket - he can get to the rim. He's outstanding. He's not only a very willing passer but an outstanding passer. I think it's the best part of Josh's game.

I just always had a knack for handling and passing the rock and making things happen.

It all starts with post play.

I think Isaiah Thomas has been a really nice player for the Kings.

I like playing in the post, so a system that plays to my strengths is important.

In college, I got better at playing the 2, kind of got a feel for it coming off screens, found my rhythm. Before that I was a natural point guard.

I think the biggest thing is, you have to understand the different rules. There are so many rules that change from college to the NBA. Change of pace is a big thing, also.