The Phoenix Suns have sneaky depth heading into the 2026-27 season, putting former first-round draft pick Ryan Dunn under enormous pressure to prove he could still be a valuable rotation player on this roster. Head Coach Jordan Ott has given him a chance to impress during preseason play, and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Dunn looking like back end rotation player for Suns
We have been here before with Dunn, but this time it does feel different. In the past, it has felt like the forward's confidence has been dictated by whether his 3-point shot has been falling or not. Outside of some small and strangely consistent windows throughout the season, it has generally deserted him, and his head has dropped as a result.
But with Coach Ott giving his starters the night off in the recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, there was Dunn in the starting lineup. His 23 minutes played trailed only Jamaree Bouyea (28), while his 15 points tied a team high, again with Bouyea. Dunn went a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and did not attempt a shot from beyond the arc. That could be the secret to getting more playing time.
Dunn's confidence can't be tied to his 3-pointers if he's not taking any, while he remains a valuable option on the defensive end. Those hoping he could become the next Mikal Bridges have had to recalibrate their ambitions for the 23-year-old, but we have again seen flashes of a long and willing defender who fits better in Phoenix than anywhere else in the league.
The Suns no longer need Dunn to blossom into a starting forward alongside Devin Booker. They have the tandem of Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges to take on the bulk of the minutes. This should allow Dunn to play in smaller bursts but have more of a defensive impact, and that looks like his most likely route to turn a surprise preseason run into an actual role in Phoenix.
Increased depth still a concern for Dunn long-term
Mark Williams' unfortunate injury gave Dunn an unexpected chance to impress, but he will eventually return for the Suns. The aforementioned Bouyea is battling for minutes wherever he can get them, while Pat Spencer will be trying to convert his own two-way contract into a full-time deal down the road.
The front office also has to decide on Duop Reath ahead of the season, while Haywood Highsmith is still in The Valley. The road to a consistent role remains difficult for Dunn, but given how he ended last season, his being in the mix at all at this stage, and that he has taken the opportunity, is huge for his chances of sticking around with the organization.
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