Should the Phoenix Suns give Ryan Dunn playing time?

The preseason has given fans a sneak peek of what's to come in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Phoenix Suns have only played two games - which isn't the best sample size to assess anyone. However, a few players, like rookie forward Ryan Dunn, have played with so much vigor.

The young forward has given fans something to look forward to this season, other than how the Big Three will play. In two games, Dunn played intelligently on both ends of the floor. The 28th pick of the 2024 draft played 23 minutes in his preseason debut, which was against the Los Angeles Lakers. He followed it up with a 16-minute game against the Detroit Pistons.

Playing 23 minutes for a rookie drafted late in the first round is immense. But everyone knows he won't get that time on the floor once the season starts. Given his respectable performance in the first two games, the question that needs to be answered is whether the Suns should offer Dunn playing time when the season starts.

Dunn's youthfulness will rejuvenate the Suns

For the first time since 2020, the Suns have rookies on the roster. The addition of Dunn and Oso Ighodaro (40th pick) might not be significant to others. However, drafting them has given the roster a boost of energy on both ends of the floor.

Dunn has garnered praise for his ability to defend other players. The Virginia Cavaliers rookie has proven his defensive expertise and awareness are on par with those of the best in the NBA. In his debut game, fans saw that the forward knows when to take advantage on defense.

The same case happened in their game in Detroit, where he was matched up against star guard Cade Cunningham a couple of times.

The energy he brings is something championship teams usually boast with their young players. For example, when the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 title, Pascal Siakam was only 24-years-old and produced an incredible amount of energy in doing everything.

Comparing him to Siakam might be a stretch as no one knows if Dunn will have the potential that the former Raptors star has. But his style of play is still what the Suns need as they try to run it back with almost the same group. It's also refreshing to see a young player emerge as a reliable contributor to a title-contending team.

His teammate, Tyus Jones, has already complimented him for the job he's done after two games. Receiving high praise from his veterans could affect his place in the team.

"I see fearlessness. Taking the shots with 100% confidence, playing defense aggressively, not flinching. So that’s huge, especially as a rookie."

Jones on Dunn's recent play.

Offensively, the rookie needs more work. In college, the 6-8 forward wasn't known to be an outstanding outside shooter. Dunn did, however, briefly demonstrate his ability to make 3-pointers against the Pistons; all he needs to do is be consistent.

Overall, the Suns will benefit from Dunn's effort, vigor, and boldness. His joining the rotation would imply that one player might have to give up a slot. Which player might drop out of the starting lineup is a matter for another day.