Oso Ighodaro is becoming the most reliable center on the Suns roster

Should the Suns work Oso into the starting lineup?

I mentioned early in the season that there was something special about the Phoenix Suns’ backup center, Oso Ighodaro, but I wasn’t sure if he was ready to step into a starting role. At the time, the Suns had Jusuf Nurkic holding down the position. However, with two straight DNPs and a game missed due to illness Sunday night against the Charlotte Hornets, it’s safe to say that Nurkic is no longer in serious competition for significant minutes.

Yes, you might imagine that Nurkic could be available soon and useful in specific matchups. But to tell you the truth, unless someone mentions his name, I forget he’s even on the Suns roster. That’s not to knock Nurkic. His game last year was impressive, and his effort to stay healthy over the past two seasons was encouraging.

However, this team seems to be heading in a different direction. With Bradley Beal and Nurkic now coming off the bench and Mason Plumlee taking over as the starting center, Oso is benefiting tremendously from increased minutes and responsibilities, and his improvement is evident with every game.

It’s not always the stats that jump out at you from the box score. What sets Oso apart is his basketball IQ and decision-making on the floor. His ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make the right move at the right time makes him a player you can’t help but appreciate. Whether it’s setting up teammates with precision screens, hustling on defense, or making clutch plays in the paint, Oso brings an intangible quality that elevates the Suns’ overall performance. As the season progresses, it’s becoming clear that he has the potential to be a long-term asset for this team.

As Zona mentioned in the Tweet above, the Suns need to keep playing Oso, even if it seems like his size might not match up well against certain opponents. His impact goes beyond physical attributes; it’s about his ability to adapt and make a difference regardless of the matchup. This is becoming increasingly evident not just to Suns fans but also to his teammates, who continue to be impressed by his growth and contributions on the court.

Oso’s confidence and work ethic are infectious, and his teammates seem to feed off his energy. Whether it’s contesting shots, or executing plays with precision, he’s proving that his presence can shift the momentum of a game. Suppose the Suns stay committed to giving him meaningful minutes. In that case, Oso has the potential to solidify his role as a key piece in their rotation.

The rookie is smart and continues to develop quietly, only to explode onto the scene when the team needs him most. Scoring eight points in the final four minutes of Sunday’s game against the Hornets is just the beginning.

The stats might not tell the whole story. It’s about watching Oso play and navigate the court with precision and poise. The Suns are now 4-1 in their last five games. In his most recent outing against the Hornets, Oso logged 30 minutes and finished with a +19 rating. When he’s played 20+ minutes in three of the previous four games, the Suns are a perfect 3-0.

Oso needs to be on the floor from the start. Do you agree?