Deandre Ayton is not built like most people.
At 7-foot-1 and 260-pounds, the 19-year-old Ayton looks like he was molded by the basketball gods themselves, making it easy to understand why the Suns didn't think twice about selecting Ayton with the first overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.
"It's fun. I embrace it," Ayton told ABC15's Jason Snavely about his height. "I've never had a growth spurt but I've always been tall, and people admire it."
SEE ALSO: Get to know the multiple personalities of Deandre Ayton
But as one might imagine, being a very tall person can have its drawbacks, such as having to duck in low-clearance hallways, crouching in compact cars and, of course, feeling extremely confined in economy airplane seating.
"Growing up, sitting in the regular flight seat, it was very (difficult)," he said. "Playing basketball, you tend to get a little tendonitis."
That's why Ayton is looking forward to soon checking that problem off his list by traveling on charter flights with added leg space as a member of the Suns.
"Now I'm in the NBA, so I can afford to get a great seat now," he said with a laugh. "That's the benefit about it."
Ayton also realizes his enormous frame can often be intimidating. That's why he does his best to put people at ease when he introduces himself.
"I try to change up my presence towards them, and I try to make people comfortable when they approach me sometimes," he said. "Instead of just saying 'What's up' or 'Hi,' I'll say, 'Hi, I'm Deandre, what's your name?'" he said. "I'm an easy-going person."
