The Phoenix Suns might be able to hold their heads high after a successful season, but not every player should be happy with their playoff performance.
Second year forward Ryan Dunn struggling badly as he had no impact offensively versus the Oklahoma City Thunder and couldn’t stop them consistently either.
Rasheer Fleming is Dunn’s replacement in waiting
Making matters worse for Dunn is the fact that another young forward in rookie Rasheer Fleming already looks ready to take his spot as soon as next season after some promising playoff moments of his own.
He had nine points in Game 2 (all of which came from deep), while in the deciding Game 4 he saw eight minutes of action. That doesn’t seem like a lot, until you realize Dunn was out there for a single minute.
Neither got on the score sheet, and in many ways Fleming is the inverse of Dunn. A better offensive weapon already, although defensively he’s not as natural a defender as Dunn. Fortunately for Fleming, his skills are more needed in Phoenix right now and this works in his favor.
Rasheer Fleming gets into the game and immediately makes an impact blocking the MVP SGA at the rim.
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) April 28, 2026
Don’t know why Jordan Ott didn’t do this from the start… pic.twitter.com/lsIdMXp6To
With Jalen Green struggling for scoring consistency in the series and Grayson Allen missing most of it, the Suns were desperate for another player who could make a 3-pointer and create a little bit for themselves as well. Fleming ticks that box, while Dunn does not.
Head coach Jordan Ott will surely feel more comfortable about believing he can get Fleming to exist in the sound defensive structures he has built, while asking Dunn to be more of a spark offensively (or at least consistently make open shots) looks as far away as ever after two seasons.
This situation can still work out for all involved, because the Suns need to make some roster moves this summer and Dunn still has value around the league. A change of scenery could bring out the best of him, while also freeing up the position for Fleming to assume a bigger role.
Like Dunn he was a pick by this front office, which is another reason to believe that their eye for talent has improved massively in recent seasons.
Even if Dunn is not moved this summer, Fleming should still jump him in the pecking order in the rotation next season. He already offers much more of a scoring threat and has the frame if he commits to defending to be a factor on that end one day soon as well.
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