It has been a hot start for the Phoenix Suns. Just a couple of days ago, they bagged their first preseason victory over the Lakers. And tonight, Kevin Durant and Co. continued that trend with another dominant win against the Pistons. While KD has played his superstar role to perfection, he is also expecting rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro to step up, especially after their impressive performance in the first two outings.

Addressing his expectations for the two youngsters, Durant said after tonight’s game, “Yeah, we’re gonna need them to develop fast. We’re gonna need them to come out here and provide some good spark for us off the bench.” Yes, the Suns are a top-heavy team with the Big Three of KD, Booker, and Beal. But their lack of depth was a major reason why they got swept in the first round earlier this year. And the addition of Dunn and Ighodaro could provide them with that much-needed production off the bench.

Kevin Durant revealed that he is “very pleased” with what he has seen from the two rookies so far. “They started off on a great note.” He remarked, highlighting that Ryan and Oso have been playing the right way, making the right plays, and coming out with great intensity and energy on the defensive end. In the opening game, Ighodaro had an impressive debut with 12 points and 5 assists. Meanwhile, Dunn also added 9 points to the board.

Even tonight, Oso did everything on the floor, be it scoring 6 points or grabbing 7 rebounds and Dunn scored the same number of points as Devin Booker (10) in five fewer minutes!

Sure enough, their efficiency explains why Kevin Durant has bestowed his trust in them right away. And he is not the only Suns superstar with high expectations for the rookies.

Oso Ighodaro impresses Bradley Beal with an incredible pass while Ryan Dunn acknowledges Kevin Durant’s trust

Well, just like KD, Bradley Beal also loves what he has seen from Oso and Dunn in such a short span. He even highlighted one of Oso’s plays, where the rookie threw a beautiful pass to his teammate. “I know bigs that’s been in the league 10 years who can’t do that. Just catch it in the pocket, take your time, and look weakside.” That’s a huge compliment coming from a player who has gone up against all superstars of this era.

And Beal also commended Ryan Dunn’s shooting as the rookie went three of five from deep range tonight, “Ryan’s shooting the ball with confidence. Everybody’s like ‘Can you shoot?’ He’s shooting the ball.” Meanwhile, Dunn also acknowledged the impact of his veteran leaders trusting him and giving him the green light to shoot, “If Kevin Durant says shoot, let it go.”

Both rookies are eager to grow and live up to KD’s expectations. On Media Day, Dunn talked about his hunger to learn, “Coming into this pickup and during the summer and especially having these guys back a lot of these veterans, it’s just been great for me. Building confidence in myself just you know competing and going out there every day, being a sponge and just learning as much as I can.”

Oso displayed a similar mindset, “I’m just taking it day by day, just trying to get better each day.” If the Phoenix side’s rookies keep playing well in the remaining preseason games, they might become a key part of the Suns rotation during the regular season.

Do you see that happening?

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.