Ryan Dunn showing ‘fearlessness’ on both sides of floor for Suns

PHOENIX — How much can a young players change their game over three months?

That’s a question worth asking about Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn.

The 28th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft had a relatively tame level of impact in summer league play back in July, more or less looking like the player he was at Virginia. Dunn played incredible defense on players all over the positional spectrum while his offense was a little hit and a lot of miss, with a lack of aggression shooting the ball and struggles with decision-making when driving standing out.

That version of Dunn is nowhere to be found through two games in the preseason.

Dunn is 5-for-11 from 3-point range, matching his total in made 3s from his freshman season and putting him two off from his 7 made triples as a sophomore. The intention within his mindset has been notable. He is not just waiting for wide-open 3s. Dunn is taking them when he has even a small amount of space.

Ryan Dunn is 5/11 from three in preseason so far.

He’s putting up triples with remarkable confidence. Even made a pull-up three in transition yesterday. For context, he shot 7/35 from three at Virginia last season. 5/16 as a freshman.

I believed in Dunn as a lottery level… pic.twitter.com/wM1VLHzJUg

— Wilko (@wilkomcv) October 9, 2024

Suns point guard Tyus Jones does not know that guy from college.

“I see fearlessness,” Jones said Thursday. “Taking his shots with 100% confidence, playing defense aggressively, not flinching. That’s huge, especially as a rookie.”

“From day one, we’ve talked to him about how he’s going to grow and how he’s going to develop here and we’ve been very encouraged,” Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “And it’s not always going to be perfect. Growth usually takes some progress and then maybe stall out or backwards and then more progress. But he’s been really good. His worth ethic is off the charts, his IQ, his willingness to listen — He’s just embraced everything we’ve asked him to do.”

A handful of his teammates have already complimented Dunn and fellow rookie Oso Ighodaro on not only how well they listen but how often the two are asking for pointers.

“A lot of times I think you see guys a little timid or unsure. He’s extremely confident,” Jones said of Dunn.

Now, taking them is one thing and making them is another. Budenholzer sort of alluded to that when it comes to the process as a whole for key factors he has seen when young players improve as 3-point shooters. But Dunn being persistent with his shot can go a long way in the percentages going up as well.

“I think there’s a talent,” he said. “But I think there’s a mentality too. He’s gotta play through everything, play with a lot of confidence, know we believe him and his teammates believe in him.”

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