Oso Ighodaro on contract extension: ‘Amazing that my hometown team has this belief in me’
Entering Year 3 in his NBA career, Ighodaro said Tuesday the new deal shows how much belief the organization has in him.
Watch: "Excited to keep contributing" Oso Ighodaro talks Phoenix Suns extension | 53 seconds
After signing a three-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, Oso Ighodaro’s ties to the Valley make the deal feel even more meaningful for the Arizona native.
Ighodaro’s contract extension marked a big milestone for the third-year player, who was born in Mesa and played high school basketball at Desert Vista in Phoenix.
Ighodaro said Tuesday the new deal shows how much the organization believes in him.
“It’s a blessing. Obviously, growing up here, it’s just amazing that my hometown team has this belief in me. I’m so blessed … I’m just super excited to be here,” Ighodaro said.
Ighodaro added that he loves the direction the Suns are headed under second-year head coach Jordan Ott and playing with star veteran Devin Booker.
“I just believe in the way we’re doing things. I love playing with J.O. (Jordan Ott). Love playing with Book, obviously. If you’re coaching your best player, it’s just two things that are extremely important to the situation that you’re playing in. I believe in what we’re building, and I’m excited for the future,” Ighodaro said.
Ighodaro is coming off a 2025-26 campaign where he saw a significant increase in usage in the rotation as the backup to center Mark Williams, averaging 22 minutes, 6.5 points (on 65.3% shooting), 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
He, along with second-year player Khaman Maluach, will likely be called to step up in the Suns’ starting center role due to Williams being out several months with a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Despite the new deal, Ighodaro said he still feels he hasn’t reached his full potential and sees the upcoming season as a great opportunity to grow as a player.
“I think I’m so far from reaching my full potential, and I’m still learning, still growing; I’m still a young player. I’m excited to just grow each and every day and continue to get better like I’ve been doing the last two years and see where it takes me,” Ighodaro said.
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Comments
4 Comments
Oso is decent at a lot of things, but isnt really good at anything. He's a good depth piece, but I pray Ott does not award him the starting 5 spot. He's much better off the bench and would fit in well with Colin's bench mob.
Makes Oso tradeable with a longer term contract at mediocre salary- this for a tall guy with no shot, no rim protection, a non reb, etc. - and can't hit a FT. He sets a screen for KB who doesn't hit the long ones any more.
I wouldn’t read too much into this extension. it was a business move, knowing how shallow we are at center. we needed to secure a warm body for the next few years and you were it. now would be a good time to reach your potential if you want a future in this league. you are too soft. God I hope you worked on your free throws this summer. tired of watching you clunk them up.
quite frankly I’m trying to figure out what exactly is the skillset you bring to the table. maybe you can show us some of those skills this year.