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The Phoenix Suns Secret Weapon

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The Suns are off to a hot preseason, starting 2-0 which fans are impressed with.  What has been even more impressive is rookie Ryan Dunn showcasing the role he can bring for this Suns bench. Dunn was selected in the first round by the Suns this season. Leaving Virginia, he was known as one of the best defenders in the draft. His only concern is that he isn’t close to having a reliable three-point shot. With the Suns adding Mike Budenholzer, they are looking to prioritize the three more than ever. With the preseason underway, he seems like a perfect fit in the new system with coach Budenholzer. This has led Suns fans to think very highly of Dunn, and what he can bring to the second unit. We will dive into the game, what he has shown so far, and look at where he fits in.

The Phoenix Suns Secret Weapon

Summer League

Dunn arrived in Phoenix after the draft and was ready to show the Suns what he could contribute. Unfortunately for Dunn, he did not have the best Summer League. He still looked like the solid defender he was in college, but the jump shot concerns were definitely ringing to fans. This led fans to be unsure in believing him that he can be an impact player immediately.

Preseason Games

Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Lakers

In Dunn’s first preseason game for the Suns, he definitely rebuked some claims of him not fitting in. Dunn had nine points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Suns were a +11 with him on the court. When you see that in just 24 minutes of play, it is enticing for sure. Dunn also shot 3-8 from the field and 2-6 from three. This shows that coach Budenholzer values the three ball, and if you cannot hit it, then you will not be played. He clearly is a high-level defender, and that is translating to the NBA easily for him so far. Dunn showcased he could hit the shot an effective rate to get him more minutes in Game 2 yesterday.

Game 2 vs the Detroit Pistons

In this game, Dunn’s role would become more evident than ever. Even though he got less playing time in the second game, Dunn proved he deserves a role with this team. He totaled 17 minutes in the victory over Detroit with 10 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks. Phoenix was a +10 with Dunn on the court.

Dunn might be the best defender for this team as a rookie. Let’s look at this stat from Evan Sidery when analyzing Dunn as a three point shooter.

When looking at this, we can see a drastic change in Dunn’s three point efficiency and volume. With coach Bud, he is going to be encouraged to let it fly from beyond the arc. For Dunn, it all about feeling comfortable in getting enough of them up, but also still making them.

Ryan Dunn’s Role?

For the rookie, this is a real question. Even though the Suns made cuts at the position for the growth of their rookies, it still will be tough to find consistent minutes. With Jusuf Nurkic still out this week, Dunn got more opportunity this week even if it didn’t affect his position. Nurkic is out with a left-middle finger injury and will be re-evaluated in a week. With the Suns wanting to compete, Dunn will need to show he can make an impact with them.

The other wings getting guaranteed playing time are Kevin Durant and Royce O’Neale. With Josh Okogie presenting a similar role, Dunn will likely compete with him the most for minutes. Both players have looked good so far. Ultimately, Dunn deserves the opportunity as he is the best defender, and is young enough to learn and grow offensively with this team. He has in the short time so far.

For Dunn, there’s a chance he can be turn into a player like Herbert Jones or Jaden McDaniels, if this three ball is legit. When looking at Ryan Dunn’s role, he definitely is a bench contributor.

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