It’s the hidden benefit of the Suns having a G League team in the same city.
The Phoenix Suns are once again assigning Oso Ighodaro to their G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, as they continue to prioritize his development. The rookie forward has shown flashes of potential, but with limited opportunities at the NBA level, Phoenix is utilizing the G League to give him consistent playing time and a chance to refine his skills.
OFFICIAL: We have assigned Oso Ighodaro to the @GLeagueSuns.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 6, 2025
This isn’t the first time this has happened this season, as Oso Ighodaro was previously assigned to Tempe on January 28. One of the key advantages of having a G League affiliate in the same metropolitan area is the flexibility it provides. The Suns can easily send him down for a couple of games — likely the case here, with the Valley Suns set to face the Capital City Go-Go tonight and tomorrow — before bringing him back up as needed.
Ighodaro has appeared in 44 games this season, but meaningful minutes have been hard to come by. He hasn’t played more than 10 minutes in a game since January 16, a span of 22 contests for Phoenix. In that stretch, he has seen action in just 11 games, averaging 4.5 minutes in mostly mop-up duty.
However, in his first G League appearance this season, Ighodaro made the most of his opportunity, dominating with an 18-point, 18-rebound performance on the road against the Salt Lake City Stars before being immediately recalled to Phoenix the next day.
The results were similar in his second, a 20-point, 16-rebound game at Mullett Arena on Feb. 10 in which Collin Gillespie had a triple double. In both, Ighodaro played 33 minutes.
Here’s what Valley coach John Little had to say about the rookie afterwards:
valley suns coach john little on oso ighodaro’s maturity to adapt to the back and forth nature of his current situation: pic.twitter.com/G0q889QTNm
— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) February 11, 2025
Perhaps Ryan Dunn will eventually follow suit, as Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has significantly reduced his minutes as the season has progressed. If playing time continues to dwindle, a stint with the Valley Suns could provide Dunn with an opportunity to stay sharp and develop his game in a more expanded role.
If you have the chance to see Oso play in the G League, I highly recommend it. The experience is fantastic. An up-close, intimate setting where you can truly appreciate the speed and skill of the game. And the basketball? It’s legitimately high-level, with hungry players battling for their shot at the next level. It’s a great way to catch rising talent before they make their mark in the NBA.
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