Ryan Dunn shows ‘fearlessness’ on both ends for Suns

PHOENIX — How much can young players change their game in three months?

That’s a question worth asking about Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn.

The 28th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft had a relatively modest impact in summer league play in July, looking more or less like the player he was in Virginia. Dunn played incredible defense against players across the positional spectrum, while his offense was short-hit, high-miss, with a lack of aggression when shooting the ball and difficulty making decisions while striking out.

That version of Dunn is nowhere to be found for two preseason games.

Dunn is 5-for-11 from 3-point range, which matches his total in made 3s from his freshman season and gives him two off his 7 made triples as a sophomore. The intention within his thinking was remarkable. He doesn’t just wait for wide-open 3s. Dunn takes them whenever he has even a small amount of space.

Ryan Dunn is 5/11 from three in preseason so far.

He hits triples with remarkable confidence. Even made a pull-up three in transition yesterday. For context, he shot 7/35 from three at Virginia last season. 5/16 as a freshman.

I believed in Dunn as a lottery level… pic.twitter.com/wM1VLHzJUg

— Wilko (@wilkomcv) October 9, 2024

Suns point guard Tyus Jones doesn’t know that guy from college.

“I see fearlessness,” Jones said Thursday. “He takes his shots with 100% confidence, plays aggressive defense and doesn’t back down. That’s huge, especially as a rookie.”

“From day one, we’ve talked to him about how he’s going to grow and how he’s going to develop here and we’re very encouraged,” Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “And it won’t always be perfect. Growth usually requires some progress, after which it may stagnate or decline, and then more progress again. But he’s been really good. His value ethic is extraordinary, his IQ, his willingness to listen – he’s just embraced everything we’ve asked him to do.

A handful of his teammates have already complimented Dunn and fellow rookie Oso Ighodaro on not only how well they listen, but how often the two ask for tips.

“I often think you see boys a bit shy or insecure. He has a ton of confidence,” Jones said of Dunn.

Now taking it is one thing and making it another. Budenholzer alluded to that a bit when it comes to the process as a whole, for the biggest factors he’s seen when young players improve as 3-point shooters. But Dunn being persistent with his shot can also go a long way toward increasing the percentages.

“I think there is a talent there,” he said. “But I think there is also a mentality. He has to go through everything, play with a lot of confidence, know that we believe him and that his teammates believe in him.”

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