Disney+ released Hamilton about the same time Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns made their way to Disney World. The two have more in common than you think.
Those who haven’t yet watched the worldwide Broadway phenomena known as Hamilton, then stop what you’re doing, go spend two and a half of what will be the best hours of your life in front of a Disney+ enabled screen, and come back later.
Go on. I’m past patiently waiting.
Good? Let’s go:
Deandre Ayton inspired this by recently talking about how young and hungry this team was to compete at Disney. This is not unlike Alexander Hamilton, who when first arrived in America was just like his country: young, scrappy, and hungry.
Phoenix Suns’ center, Deandre Ayton, will channel his inner Hamilton at Disney.
Ayton would be quick to admit his first year in the NBA was a learning curve, yet it accelerated his knowledge and feel for the game. After his rookie season, he was only 19 but his mind was older. This second season would start off colder as he shouldered every burden, every disadvantage he’d have to learn to manage. After sitting out 25 games to start the season, and then another four and a half months due to the hiatus, this is Ayton’s third start of his second NBA season, and he is not throwing away his shot.
In fact, he might even have a literal new shot. We’ve heard this before, but we finally might see him launch 3s at Disney, which is good because until now, we have all been forced to pull an Aaron Burr and wait for it.
It seems that yet another unexpected, extended break from basketball lit a spark under Ayton, and he is ready to fan this spark into a flame.
According to Ayton, “Quarantine gave us some time to really take a break.” Hopefully, no one like Maria Reynolds walked into their lives during this break (although Booker did spend a lot of time with Kendall Jenner). But that’s over now, and as Ayton says, “Now, it’s back to work.”
Phoenix Suns fans like the sound of that. Work!
Ayton isn’t the only player looking to rise up in the bubble. Dario Saric might be playing for a roster spot next season, Aron Baynes is hoping to maximize his impending payday, Ricky Rubio is looking to further gel with his new teammates, and Phoenix’s favorite fighting Frenchman, Elie Okobo, is out to prove he’s worth more than anyone bargained for.
I have confidence these guys in particular can do it because, immigrants, they get the job done.
Thus far at Disney, though, we haven’t heard much from the Phoenix Suns, as there are very few people are in the room where it happens. While other teams have been very open with their fishing, cornhole, and shotgunning experiences, the Suns have remained fairly silent when it comes to extracurriculars. Instead, they’ve been hustling non-stop with Monty Williams taking his all-business approach seriously. And that’s okay. After all, in the eye of a hurricane, there is quiet.
To all the fans that have given up on this franchise in recent years, I have a feeling you’ll be back, like before.
Back to Ayton, this really feels like his time to passionately smash every expectation Suns fans have. As a kid in the Caribbean, he knew basketball was equivalent to Hamilton’s quill. He played his way out to be the #1 overall pick in the NBA draft, but he is not satisfied.
Now he is Devin Booker’s right-hand man, hungry to fight, and ready to blow us all away.
Just you wait.
He says:
"“It’s a blessing. There’s a little window to make the playoffs and make some history. That’s all that’s on our mind.”"
Don’t hesitate, Ayton. Exhibit no restraint, just take, and take, and take. History has its eyes on you.
As for me, I’ll be here telling your story, writing like I’m running out of time.