Ryan Dunn is the ray of sunshine this preseason at the Phoenix Suns. The rookie charmed his teammates and put together great performances. Enough to secure an important role in one of the best teams in the NBA, from his first season in the League?
In such a difficult draft vintage, it is expected that prospects selected quite far back last June come out of the hat and become steals. It is obviously still far too early to say anything, but at the time of writing, Ryan Dunn has the look of the ideal candidate. The winger has already charmed Suns fans and is making a name for himself in the Big League, night after night.
Chosen in 28th position by the Denver Nuggets (immediately transferred to Phoenix), the defensive qualities of the former Virginia Cavaliers were highlighted and the least we can say is that he meets expectations. Ryan Dunn shines on this side of the floor and does a lot of good for the Kevin Durant – Devin Booker – Bradley Beal trio. The latter was rave at a press conference when talking about his young teammate:
“We support him, we encourage him and we give him great responsibilities. He’ll probably defend the opponent’s best player 10 times out of 10. He accepts that challenge.”
Bradley Beal on Ryan Dunn (who reminds him of Toumani Camara) getting reps with the main rotation guys:
“We uplift him, we encourage him, and we throw him in the fire too. He’s gonna guard the best player probably 10 outta 10 times. So he accepts that challenge” pic.twitter.com/JBOUcGzdNl
— PHNX Dog (@PHNX_Dog) October 12, 2024
But what is also surprising is the offensive efficiency that the young player has shown since the restart. 11.0 points at 44% from distance, it was unexpected. The sample is very small of course (four games), but Dunn was only shooting 24% behind the line in the NCAA.
Against the Denver Nuggets this Sunday evening, the rookie took advantage of the absence of the Suns stars to highlight himself. 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 interceptions, 3 blocks at 7/15 shooting and 6/11 at 3-points with the victory at the end, or how to put Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in the rearview mirror.
Ryan Dunn made 6 threes tonight in the Suns preseason game against the Nuggets.
Dunn only made 7 threes TOTAL in 34 games for Virginia last season. pic.twitter.com/EEgBbi8uon
— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) October 14, 2024
The address could well drop in the weeks to come, but with his defensive activity, Ryan Dunn seems to secure a privileged place in Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. The Suns don’t have an immediate need for his offensive talent, but covering the wanderings of the stars on the other side of the floor will be essential to a successful season for the Arizona franchise.
“RD” is still looking for a nickname even if “The Dunngeon” and “Top Dunn” have been whispered, but his name is already ready to be plastered behind a good number of jerseys in Phoenix this season.
