The Phoenix Suns remade their center position this offseason and left Oso Ighodaro without a role after a promising rookie season. The 6’10 big man is strictly a five, but Phoenix traded for Mark Williams and drafted Khaman Maluach in the lottery. The Suns still have Nick Richards, which likely puts Ighodaro fourth on the depth chart and unable to see action.
The 23-year-old showed flashes as a rookie. He averaged 9.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in the seven games where he played over 30 minutes last season. Ighodaro shot over 60 percent from the field in year one and is intriguing for any team looking for a long-term answer at the five.
The Suns unsurprisingly traded Kevin Durant and reset their roster this offseason. Having a developing big man seems ideal, especially after he popped again in summer league, but the front office has other ideas.
Suns absolutely screwed Oso Ighodaro with their offseason moves
Ighodaro’s basketball IQ and playmaking ability should have teams interested. Several are likely calling the Suns and trying to get him on the cheap. Phoenix is not valuing the 23-year-old, but he could be an impactful backup big man for a contender now with room to grow.
Ighodaro is 6’10 and 235 lbs. for those worried about him being undersized. He is not Wembanyama, but nobody is. This should not be a concern.
The Suns were significantly better with Ighodaro on the floor last season. They outscored the opposition by 0.5 points per 100 possessions and were outscored by 3.9 points when he went to the bench.
There is plenty to like about the youngster’s game, but the Suns don’t see it. He is absolutely buried on the depth chart. Phoenix could try to give him run at the four, but that is not his ideal position. Ighodaro attempted just two 3-pointers last season and missed both. He is not a floor spacer, and the Suns can’t play two non-shooters in the same lineup.
This leaves the 23-year-old without a role moving forward. Maluach is the center of the future, and Mark Williams is only 24. The Suns tried to lock down that position long-term this offseason, but left Ighodaro out to dry in the process.
The Warriors, Lakers, Celtics, and Pacers should all be calling about Oso Ighodaro. He could be a difference-making backup big man for several teams and start on others. That move is just one call away. All teams have to do is look at his summer league tape for proof that Ighodaro is ready to make an impact and is improving rapidly.
The Phoenix Suns eliminated him from their rotation this offseason, but his future is bright. It likely takes a change of scenery, but don’t be surprised to see him making an impact somewhere quickly. It will leave Suns fans with a familiar feeling of regret that has become a staple of the Mat Ishbia era.