Yesterday, the Phoenix Suns sent Oso Ighodaro to their G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. He showed up and went to work.
The 40th pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2024 NBA Draft has had a hard time getting on the court with Phoenix since the acquisition of Nick Richards. Head coach Mike Budneholzer has solidified his center rotation, at least for now, with Richards getting the nod as the starter and Mason Plumlee spelling him. That has led to diminished minutes for Oso Ighodaro (and none for their $18.1 million center, Jusuf Nurkic).
As a result, the team opted to designate Oso to their G League affiliate on Monday. This would provide the rookie with an expanded role and more minutes, which will greatly assist in his development.
Ighodaro made his inaugural G League appearance last night in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Stars. And Oso did not disappoint.
In his start with the Valley Suns, Ighodaro made the most of his extended playing time, logging 33 minutes compared to his usual 16.1 with the big league club, where he averages 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. It started with a monstrous first half in which he scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Oso Ighodaro has 10 points and 11 rebounds at the half in his Valley Suns debut.
He’s shot 5 for 9 so far including this slam.
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) January 29, 2025
He put together an impressive double-double, matching teammates Jalen Bridges and Jaden Shackelford with 18 points while dominating the glass with 18 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive end. The Valley Suns won the game, 122-115, improving their record to 9-6 and 1-0 with Oso.
We’re watching something special brew down in the G League, and Oso’s descent from the bright lights of the NBA might just be a beautiful fall upward. Sure, the Phoenix faithful will pine for their gentle giant, but this Valley Suns stint isn’t some basketball purgatory. It’s a laboratory where raw talent goes to transform into pure gold.
The basketball gods work in mysterious ways and sometimes the path to greatness winds through the minor leagues. Oso’s just getting started, and I’m here for every beautiful, chaotic moment of it.