Rookie Spotlight: Ryan Dunn Shakes Up the League
Ah, the NBA! A delightfully chaotic stew of athleticism, egos, and a fair share of questionable fashion choices! Today, we’re going to dive into a sizzling hot topic hotter than a mid-July Phoenix sun—Ryan Dunn, the rookie sensation who’s making waves deeper than a Kardashian’s Twitter feed!
From Draft Pick to Defensive Dynamo!
Let’s not beat around the bush! Ryan Dunn, chosen as Choice #28 in the 2024 Draft, is the kind of player you can’t help but love—like a puppy that steals your socks. The kid’s shooting is so hot that if he were a meal, he’d be served with a side of “please don’t burn your mouth.” During the preseason, he notched a stellar 43.3% from three-point range. Not too shabby, eh? If that’s not a welcome to the NBA moment, I don’t know what is! And with his current record of 46.2% in regular season games, it appears Dunn’s arc could soon be sending basketballs straight to the Hall of Fame!
In just three games, he’s turned the hardwood into his personal playground with an impressive stat line: 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 14.5 minutes. But don’t let those numbers fool you; Dunn’s impact is felt as much off the stat sheet as it is on it. His plus/minus rating of +3.3 reads like the sort of math I aced in school—simple and pretty effective!
A Trustworthy Rookie? That’s Rare!
What really caught my eye, though, is how swiftly he’s gained the trust of coach Mike Budenholzer. It’s like watching a toddler win a game of poker against seasoned card sharks! Coach Bud knows how to spot talent, and he’s throwing Dunn into the fray—no hesitation, no “maybe next time.” Hell, he even said, “We can throw him into the mix. We need him to grow and develop his game.” That’s coach-talk for “I think this kid might actually survive against grown men!”
Defensive Tenacity: More than Just a Buzzword!
You’ve got to love a player who’s prepared to tackle the tough side of the game. Dunn’s defensive efforts have been nothing short of phenomenal. I mean, who needs a superhero when you’ve got a 21-year-old rookie swatting shots like he’s auditioning for NBA: The Musical? Opponents shot just 37% when he was guarding them. That’s lower than the average content at a reality TV show reunion—now that’s saying something!
Let’s not forget the praise he’s received from the likes of Kevin Durant—you know you’ve made it when Duran has his eyes on your defensive prowess! KD loves Dunn’s physicality and confidence; you could say he’s practically gushing over him like a contestant on a dating show. Dunn’s reputation is only going to expand—kudos to him for bringing a little grit back into the Suns’ game!
What’s Next for Ryan Dunn?
As the Suns prepare for a season that feels more promising than a Netflix release in summer, I can’t help but wonder how Dunn will fare when seasoned stars like Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen return. Will Budenholzer keep him in the starting lineup, or will he be relegated to bench duties, crying softly into his protein shake? Only time will tell! But one thing is for certain—Dunn’s sizzling skills will be a crucial piece in the Suns’ quest for glory.
So, let’s wrap it up with a toast to Ryan Dunn! May your three-point shooting continue to dazzle, your defense be as impenetrable as a bank vault, and may your rookie season be remembered long after your last shot. Cheers to breaking through defenses and expectations, one game at a time!
This content is derived from an insightful article by Brandon Duenas for Bright Side of the Sun, translated into Italian by Marco Marchese for Around the Game.
Ryann Dunn has proven himself capable of stepping into the role of a role player early in his NBA journey. Selected as the #28 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he has quickly established a significant presence with the Phoenix Suns on both offense and defense. Dunn showcased his shooting prowess during the preseason, hitting an impressive 43.3% from beyond the arc (13 out of 30 attempts), and he has even elevated that to 46.2% in the regular season, connecting on 6 of 13 attempts from three-point range across three NBA games—a feat that currently ranks him as the league’s top rookie in 3-point shooting percentage. In his recent performance against the Dallas Mavericks, Dunn scored 13 points in just 21 minutes of play, contributing significantly to his team’s victory. However, his contributions extend beyond scoring; his defensive efforts to protect the rim and disrupt opposing plays have energized the Suns’ defensive structure. Although not all of his impact is reflected in the traditional stat sheets, his influence on the game has been undeniably positive.
The 21-year-old rookie is averaging 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 14.5 minutes per game over his first three regular season appearances. His plus/minus rating is positioned at +3.3, and he finds himself tied for 5th place in the rookie rankings for points per game, sharing that spot with fellow rookies.
Rookie leaders in PPG:
1) Yves Missi – 10.0
2) Jamison Battle – 9.0
3) Jamal Shead – 8.7
4) Zach Edey – 8.3
t-5) Ryan Dunn – 8.0
t-5) Stephon Castle – 8.0
7) Dalton Knecht – 7.7
8) Alexandre Sarr – 7.0— Zona (@AZSportsZone) October 27, 2024
A major highlight of Dunn’s early success is the swift trust he has gained from the Suns’ head coach, Mike Budenholzer. This trust was evident during the matchup against the Mavericks last Saturday, where Dunn was instrumental in the team’s strategy with Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen sidelined. Coach Budenholzer had high praise for Dunn:
“Ryan has earned the trust and respect of his teammates. My trust and my respect. We can throw him into the mix. We need him to grow and develop his game.”
Coach Mike Budenholzer
Mike Budenholzer on starting Ryan Dunn as Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen out:
“Ryan has earned the trust and respect of his teammates. Earned the trust and respect of myself. Throw him into the fire. We need him to grow and develop.”
Also likes Royce O’Neale with 2nd unit #Suns pic.twitter.com/dioR9oSAOT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 27, 2024
Gaining the trust of a seasoned coach like Mike Budenholzer is no small feat. Players and staff often express admiration for how Dunn has already begun to “be ahead of your training program” and has “evolved”, which speaks volumes about his performance during pivotal moments. Experiencing the electric atmosphere of Regular Season games adds another layer to his development.
Defensive Tenacity
Dunn’s defensive resilience does not come as a surprise to observers; his instincts were apparent during both the summer league and preseason. Throughout three games in the NBA, opponents guarded by Dunn have managed only 37% shooting from the field. He consistently fights for blocks, successfully covers passing lanes, supports the weak side, and executes closeout techniques effectively. Dunn is implementing exactly what the Suns expect of him, infusing the team with an infectious energy.
Look at Ryan Dunn in his 3rd NBA game against the MVP favorite
Even Mikal Bridges didn’t have this type of confidence this early in his NBA career (and Dunn is younger) pic.twitter.com/e4gQfGGoPG
— Brendon Kleen (@BrendonKleen14) October 27, 2024
Kevin Durant has heaped praise on Dunn, exclaiming, “I love how infectious it is. I love the fact that he’s a physical player, and that he’s already committing his fouls.” His comments reflect a broader appreciation for Dunn’s impact on the game.
Kevin Durant on Ryan Dunn getting the start: “I just love his poise. I love that he’s physical, I like that he’s actually fouling.”
Also highlighted a big play Dunn had in the 4Q where he knocked down a 3 with confidence: pic.twitter.com/QI79Mignxk
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 27, 2024
In his short time in the NBA, Dunn has already garnered attention from seasoned competitors, including James Harden, who had to dig deep to find success against Dunn’s relentless defense during a swap on a defensive assignment. This speaks volumes about Dunn’s growing reputation among foes on the court. If afforded more opportunity, Dunn’s stature in the league will only continue to rise, as he excels at making plays on both ends of the court. His defense on the point of attack, particularly in the wing role, addresses a glaring need for the Suns, who faced challenges against strong, physically defining wingers last season. As the squad prepares for the return of Beal and Allen, it remains to be seen whether Coach Budenholzer will opt to keep Dunn in the rotation, and whom he may replace. One thing is already evident: Ryan Dunn is well-equipped to help the Phoenix Suns secure numerous victories this season.
FOTO: Bright Side of the Sun
