“What the Suns’ fans will be able to see early with Ryan (Dunn) is his passion and his energy, his defensive prowess and the multiple efforts that he’s going to give.” Virginia’s assistant coach Orlando Vandross, who served as the rookie’s instructor for 2 years, just knew. Living up to the words, the 21-year-old started to make a mark, averaging in the double digits, looking to work on his defense for which he has been lauded. Before the Suns faced the Nuggets, Ryan was ready for a challenge, putting his confidence on display.

After the preseason game, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer highlighted how players who hadn’t gotten the chance to play earlier, made full use of this opportunity. When discussing Ryan Dunn in particular, the coach revealed, “He wants to take the challenge of the best players every night. You know, (Julian) Strawther got going a little bit tonight, (Michael) Porter got going a little bit tonight. He’s coming in, asking, ‘I want those guys. I want to take that challenge. He’s got the right mindset.’”

Today saw an improvement in the youngster’s defense. Along with adding 2 steals and 3 blocks to his 20 points, he also added 4 rebounds and assists each to his name. Ryan Dunn was captured going head-to-head against Russell Westbrook, and efficiently blocking a shot attempt from the veteran in the 2nd quarter. Westbrook didn’t seem to hold any resentment and was seen having a heartwarming moment with the Suns rookie later in the game. After all, game does recognize game.

With Ryan Dunn being certainly efficient, it was up to the Nuggets to stay on par. Nikola Jokic dropped his highest total of the ongoing preseason series, securing 21 points through 9-16 field goals and 3-5 free throws. While he managed to add 14 rebounds too, the Serb struggled a bit on the defensive front when it came to the Suns rookie.

As Jokic defended the 21-year-old during the 2nd quarter, the latter was able to drop a mesmerizing three-pointer that wasn’t celebrated at the moment but would’ve been imprinted in the minds of the attendees at the Ball Arena!

Did Bradley Beal choose Ryan Dunn for a position Over Kevin Durant and other Suns veterans?

It is no secret that the Suns had been struggling in terms of defense after losing Mikal Bridges. Their defensive rating went from 107.3 in 2022 to 113 and 114.5 during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively. The rating during the recent playoffs went all the way to a disappointing 126.4, with the franchise also reportedly handing out the most points through turnovers.

Coming in as the 28th overall pick of the draft, Ryan Dunn entered the league after being named the ‘best defensive playmaker’ by ESPN. Their reasoning may be based on the player’s 7-1 wingspan, and the 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals made per game during his sophomore season.

To create a reputation like this whilst playing in the Virginia Cavaliers, who are known for having a ‘low-possession style,’ spoke volumes. This may have led Ryan Dunn’s now teammate, Bradley Beal, to state, “We uplift him. We encourage him. And we throw him in the fire too. He’s gonna guard their best player probably 10 times out of 10. So, you accept that challenge… that’s how he’s gonna get paid to be around this league for a long time. So, I’m happy for him.”

In the aftermath of the Nuggets-Suns game, Ryan Dunn has already matched the career total of three-pointers he made at Virginia last year. The only way to go for the hooper now, both in terms of offense and defense, is up! Whether the Phoenix rookie’s inclusion will help to improve the defensive rating is a question that remains to be answered.

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