Blazers' Deandre Ayton Thanks NBA 'Haters': 'I Just Be Trying to Bust That Ass'

Deandre Ayton is in the midst of arguably the best three-game stretch of his career, and he's thanking his doubters for providing motivation.

"I listen and I hear it and I love it," Ayton told reporters Wednesday. "I thank these haters for it, cause it's making me approach this game in the right way and carry the PDX on my back all the way. So I thank them. I'm wearing the cape all the way."

Ayton is averaging 28.3 points and 17.7 rebounds since returning to the lineup March 9. Portland has won two of those three contests, with Ayton playing the starring role some pegged him for when the was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

It's been an up-and-down first season for Ayton with the Blazers. His averages of 15.3 points and 11.1 rebounds are a disappointment given his expected increased role on a young Blazers team, and he spent most of the first half of the season subject to frustration from fans.

The criticism has—at least for now—awakened a more aggressive version of Ayton, who has taken at least 19 shots in each of the last three games.

"I just be trying to bust that ass. That's about it," said Ayton. "Whether I look like the bad guy or not, I'm trying to be great. I'm trying to be a winner in this league. I'm trying to be known as that guy. If you're around me, you're going to learn how to win."

Portland is in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, so there is no rush for Ayton to become an All-Star overnight. However, a strong finish to this season could wind up increasing Ayton's trade value if the Blazers want to explore a move.

The two years and $69.5 million remaining on Ayton's contract looked like an albatross coming into March, but a mini breakout could convince a team to roll the dice.