Ryan Dunn was the perfect example of team fit when he was drafted by the Suns. It’s looking like that thought has already come to fruition early on in this season. Let’s take a look at Dunn’s rookie preview for the upcoming season.
NBA Rookie Preview: Ryan Dunn
Prospect Profile
Dunn was a four star recruit in the class of 2022 and chose to sign with the Virginia Cavaliers. That turned out to be the perfect decision as Dunn was already a prospect who was expected to excel defensively. Virginia’s famous ‘pac-line’ defense allowed Dunn to learn important fundamentals and principles to combine with his impressive athletic profile.
At six-foot-eight, there was no better defender in this draft class than Dunn. He’s a hyper-athletic wing that may be able to guard every position. He finished the season averaging 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. As an extremely gifted athlete, he also thrives above the rim on both ends. Dunn’s major issues coming into the draft all came on offense, and mainly with his lack of perimeter shooting. However, he’s seemingly kicked this perceived weakness to the curb already.
Team Fit
As mentioned earlier, you can’t find a better team fit in this rookie class, in my opinion. Our first round reactions after the draft hinted at Dunn’s rookie season being exciting. As if you didn’t know already, the Suns have Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal on their roster. Simply put, their stars can put the ball in the basket. Their major need was at point guard and then surrounding those stars with elite role players, especially ones who can defend.
Free-agent signings Tyus Jones and Monte Morris clearly addressed the point guard issue. As far as plus-defenders go, Royce O’Neale and Josh Okogie were pretty much the only options. Or at least they were outside of the draft. Dunn has quickly inserted himself into the Suns rotation early on in the season. He thrives as a primary defender against the other team’s best player, and then utilizes his athleticism as a slasher on offense. Playing alongside multiple players who receive frequent double teams, this ability is extremely valuable.
What’s most surprising though is that Dunn has displayed impressive three point shooting through four games. He’s shooting 43.8 percent on 4.0 attempts per game.
Predictions For Dunn’s Rookie Season
Coming out of the draft, I thought the Suns sneakily had one of the best draft classes in Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. Not only is Dunn’s team fit a perfect match, but the Suns are title contenders in the West and will stay in the spotlight.
If Dunn can continue to be elite within his role for this team, I think first team All-Rookie is certainly on the table. Of course, he will have to show that the percentages on offense aren’t a fluke, but things are looking positive. If the NBA had a defensive rookie of the year award, I think Dunn would win that as well. Suns fans should be thrilled with what they’re witnessing currently.
