DeAndre Ayton’s “Excuses” for Season Struggles Becomes a Laughing Stock for NBA Veteran

Portland Trailblazers center DeAndre Ayton faces criticism after attributing his early-season struggles to sleeping on an air mattress. The revelation that was shared by NBA Central on Twitter has sparked a response from veteran NBA player Eddie A Johnson that has caught some eyes.

Ayton’s comments are around the idea that the lack of a proper bed for his sleep has affected his performance on the court. “My body wasn’t just my body,” Ayton explained. “People forget the humane difference of me adjusting to everything. That included something as routine as getting proper sleep. Just being comfortable in waking up. I didn’t have a bed for quite some time. I was on an air mattress. Just trying to figure this out.“

However, Eddie A Johnson, a former NBA player with a load of experience, took a different stance. Johnson responded with a quote highlighting the hefty paychecks athletes receive. “I could write a 1000-page book on athletic excuses,” Johnson wrote. “I found out early in my career, that no one cared when I was making a huge paycheck of 65k as a young player and I can guarantee no one will give a flying you know what when it’s 32 million! Just ball DA!”

Johnson’s response highlights a common debate within the NBA. To what extent are athletes accountable for their performance? This is especially considering the vast sums of money they are paid. Ayton, for instance, signed a four-year, $133 million contract extension with the Suns in 2022. Now with the Blazers, this season is his second year of the contract.

DeAndre Ayton’s Excuse: Not the First Time Players Have Used Such Excuses

While Ayton’s situation is unique, the conversation around athlete excuses extends beyond air mattresses. Players have pointed to various factors in the past to explain performance dips, including nagging injuries, personal issues, and even uncomfortable shoes. Jermaine O’Neal once missed a game because he forgot his passport.

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The validity of these excuses depends on the context and feasibility of the problem. However, Johnson’s response shows a growing concern among fans that some explanations can come across as an excuse when it goes against the significant salaries that professional athletes earn.

Whether Ayton’s air mattress concerns are a good enough reason for his struggles, the Blazers’ upper management has not commented on the situation. Regardless, the conversation has led to a wider conversation about professionalism, accountability, and the pressures faced by young athletes in today’s NBA.

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