The Phoenix Suns kick off their preseason schedule on Sunday night against the LA Lakers. With the NBA regular season just over two weeks away, new head coach Mike Budenholzer will have the opportunity to look at some fringe players fighting to crack the rotation. The Suns also have one final roster spot which will be up for grabs.
This includes a plethora of youngsters who will be battling for playing time. For the first time in recent seasons the Suns have a pair of rookies who will contribute and the formation of their new G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, will allow them to develop more youth. With a lot of veteran presence, the hope is that the injection of fresh and energetic faces could provide the perfect balance.
Preseason Gives Suns Youngsters Opportunity to Impress
Drafted Rookies
Despite a lack of assets, the Suns did have two picks in the 2024 draft. In the first round, they selected small forward Ryan Dunn with the 28th pick. They opted for big-man depth in the second round with Oso Ighodaro. Both players are considered amongst the best defenders in the draft class, an area in which the Suns want to improve.
Players are ahead of them in the rotation, which will limit their playing time in the regular season. However, a strong preseason could put themselves into the forefront of Budenholzer’s thinking.
Center Jusuf Nurkic will be out for at least a week with a finger injury, opening up a lane for Ighodaro to play more minutes. Mason Plumlee is the backup, but Ighodaro should get an extended opportunity to impress at both center and power forward.
Speaking ahead of the Lakers game, the 22-year-old said he will apply the same approach as he did during Summer League and training camp, using these experiences to learn and grow. He also emphasized the need to play hard and take on any advice from the older players in the group.
With Nurk out, Oso Ighodaro said he's approaching tomorrow's preseason game the same way he's approached Summer League and training camp: "Play hard and just listen. Whatever the older guys and the coaches have for me, just to do it." pic.twitter.com/oci6VuTCoT
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 5, 2024
For a team that lacked in length last season, Dunn could play an important role over the year. Listed at six-foot-seven with a seven-foot-one wingspan, Dunn brings plenty of athleticism and defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions, an attribute which should alleviate the pressure off the likes of Kevin Durant on defense.
However, whilst his offense could limit his meaningful playing time, his energy can be useful in small bursts at crucial times. These next few preseason games will be a perfect opportunity to examine his fit alongside Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Undrafted Rookie and Two-Way contracts
The Suns’ commitment to young talent continued with the signing of undrafted rookie Jalen Bridges. He is one of three players signed to two-way contracts and could be in contention to earn the final roster spot later in the season.
Bridges is a 3-and-D wing with a skill set that the Suns lack on the current roster. Not only will he get a shot in preseason, but he will also showcase his ability for the Valley Suns, hoping to catch the eye of Budenholzer and his staff. Like Dunn, Bridges is listed at six-foot-seven, but in addition to his length, he has the offense to make him a serviceable player in the NBA. Royce O’Neale is another of the 3-and-D archetypes, but beyond him, there are no alternatives. Josh Okogie is an excellent defensive player, but his limited offensive capabilities reduce his effectiveness.
Collin Gillespie and TyTy Washington Jr. hold the Suns’ remaining two-way contracts. Gillespie, who won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, is a point guard. It will be difficult for him to earn minutes given the competition ahead of him in Monte Morris and Tyus Jones, as well as the ability of Booker and Beal to play there. However, should there be any injuries, the coaches know that the 25-year-old can be a capable understudy if needed.
Washington has previous NBA experience with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks and will spend most of the upcoming season with the Valley Suns. He is another point guard but considered a longshot to make the final roster. Although, playing time in preseason for the Suns will not hurt his chances to stake a claim.
