Oso Ighodaro's must-see body transformation will be massive for the Suns

Although we are still some time away from watching the Phoenix Suns play competitive basketball again - although we do at least now have a schedule to pore over until then - we did get a glimpse into how some of their players are going to help the franchise next season thanks to Summer League.

This was a moment for Koby Brea to look like Devin Booker-Lite out there, but he wasn't the only one making a splash. Lottery pick Khaman Maluach looked incredibly raw - particularly on the offensive end - although it is still too soon to make a judgement call on any of these guys. Then there was second year tandem Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, who. both looked like they'd made a leap.

Ighodaro's body transformation key to bigger role in Phoenix.

Dunn already looks like he is going to be among the best perimeter defenders the Suns have next season, but the path to a more consistent role for Ighodaro was less clear. The franchise now has Maluach, Mark Williams and even Nick Richards at the center spot, so it is likely he will see some time at the four when he is on the court.

Which made the news prior to Summer League getting underway - which somehow flew under the radar - that Ighodaro had put on 12 pounds of muscle over the summer a real positive. We know what you're thinking, every player in the offseason either bulks up, gets leaner - or in the case of Ben Simmons - figures out how to shoot a basketball.

Only Ighodaro did look bulkier out in Vegas, and he had the leadership mindset to go with it that was clear to see. He still has a lot to learn himself on the offensive end to be a constant threat, although his freak athleticism means he can always finish around the rim and make something out of broken plays thanks to his strength at getting to the basket alone.

But adding the muscle to his frame is the key to Ighodaro also gaining some of those minutes at center, because you know a youngster like Maluach is going to get pushed around by a lot of the more physical bigs in the league. There is also a high possibility Williams spends some time out with injury, while it is known that the Suns would trade Richards if the right offer came up.

Which could leave Ighodaro as an x-factor in The Valley in 2025-26. Somebody who is probably more comfortable as a smaller but extra-physical center, but who can also play next to Maluach in certain lineups when the Suns want to be even more defensive. It might not seem like much, but Ighodaro's importance in Phoenix is so much bigger than it was already, and it is only going to increase.