Oso Ighodaro has only played 15 minutes of basketball for the Phoenix Suns so far this season as a result of an oblique injury, and already his absence is being felt in ways that it shouldn't for a team with designs on winning a playoff series in 2027. As a second-round pick who is the starting center out of necessity, the fact that he brings so much stability defensively is a problem with no clear solution.
Ighodaro quietly one of Suns' most important players a massive concern
If you go back to the beginning of last season, and with Ighodaro starting his sophomore campaign, he was again inserted into the starting lineup at the five. It was a disaster that it took him some time to rebound from, but by season's end, Ighodaro had quietly become one of Head Coach Jordan Ott's most consistent performers.
He turned that into a three-year, $29 million extension that was deserved, and which already looks like a steal for the Suns considering how vital Ighodaro now looks to their ability to return to the tough-out they were last season. At a time when Dillon Brooks was also extended, and Miles Bridges was acquired at an eye-watering cost, it is hugely concerning how important he is to their ability to win games every night.
This is a problem of the Suns' own making, because his immediate injury highlights how poor their center depth truly is. Khaman Maluach may one day be ready, and much was made of his growth at media day, but he is not ready to contribute to the levels required to make the playoffs for 25 minutes each night.
As a backup to Ighodaro, he can produce, which only proves how important he is to this group. Duop Reath and Drew Timme are short-term solutions, so much so that introducing Ryan Dunn as a small-ball five might be worth considering before long. That kind of rotation won't cut it every night in the NBA, and the roster construction is to blame.
Ighodaro could have held out for more money on current Suns roster
Although the former second-round pick wanted long-term financial security, having had his fair share of ups and downs through two seasons, it already looks like Ighodaro could have held out for more money. He's the starting center in Phoenix, and nobody is coming for that spot for a while based on what we have seen.
The franchise doesn't even have a viable small-ball option either, and although it is great to see a low pick work out like this, the fact Ighodaro is already so important to the Suns is a worrying sign of their slide down the Western Conference. New players much emerge for this group.
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