Deandre Ayton can’t watch NBA games. These are bad habits.

Some of my friends who are still at home there have their watch parties. Everyone gets together and watches some games during work. They send you newspaper pictures, so they’re definitely listening, because I represent the Bahamas everywhere I go.

How does this playoff run compare mentally to last year for you?

It’s much more different. At the start, last year, I was gaining confidence as we moved further and further into the playoffs and went to the finals. But that, trust is no longer a thing. It’s out the window. I have seen everything. I know what I can do.

How much, if any, extra motivation do you have against Luka Doncic, given that you were both drafted in the same class and are constantly being compared to him?

There is no motivation. I’m happy for the man, no matter where he takes us, because I’m proud to be part of this class and we’re the best draft class ever. Obviously, through competition, we try to fight each other, but at the end of the day, I’m never motivated by someone else’s success.

You became a father last year. What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?

I definitely quit a lot of bad habits early on.

Like what?

Like my way of eating. My way of sleeping at night. Just be aware of the time. I am very, very careful about time and knowledge of time and place, especially with a child. And represent myself in the best possible way, on and off the pitch.

Will your son play ball like you?

Oh yes! As soon as he sees a ball, he looks for his hoop, like: “Where is the hoop? Where is the hoop? I’m ready.” Then you pass it to him. I say, “Go to the oop alley. Go to the oop alley. And he grabs it and dips it at 1 year old.