The Phoenix Suns send rookie Oso Ighodaro to the G League for development.
The Phoenix Suns have recently tightened their rotations in preparation for a challenging stretch of games against teams with a combined .544 winning percentage. With Nick Richards now on board, the team carries four centers, an unusually high number. Typically, teams prefer to carry three centers, each with a different skill set, to better match up against various opponents.
Last night highlighted this strategy in action, as the physical Ivica Zubac dominated Nick Richards. However, when Mason Plumlee stepped in, the Suns found much-needed stability, winning the game 111-109.
With limited minutes available at the center position, the Phoenix Suns have decided to assign Oso Ighodaro to the G League.
OFFICIAL: We have assigned Oso Ighodaro to the @GLeagueSuns.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 28, 2025
Oso Ighodaro has appeared in 36 games for Phoenix this season, starting in two. His averages? 3.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.4 blocks, while shooting 55.8% from the field and 54.3% from the free-throw line. At 6’10”, the rookie shows strong basketball IQ and solid fundamentals, but he appears slightly undersized and has struggled to find consistent minutes.
Since Nick Richards joined the team, Ighodaro has averaged just 7.3 minutes over three games and hasn’t played in the last two.
This move makes sense. Send him to the Valley Suns, give him some playing time, and allow him to continue developing. That’s the advantage of having a G League affiliate, and this is exactly why you use it. A young rookie who needs to grow but doesn’t have the opportunity with the big club can head down and get valuable reps.
Don’t be surprised if we see him back soon.
The Valley Suns play the Salt Lake City Stars, who have once again rostered former Suns Isaiah Thomas, tonight and tomorrow before they return home to play the San Diego Clippers this Friday night at the Mullet.
This creates another open roster spot for the Suns, leaving them with two available. Could this be a precursor to a potential move? Interesting…