Despite a relatively quiet offseason, the Phoenix Suns look much improved heading into the new season. The addition of Tyus Jones, as well as their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal playing more together, should do wonders for their offense. However, an underrated addition for the Suns was them drafting forward Ryan Dunn 28th overall out of the University of Virginia.
Dunn was seen as a late first-round pick during the draft process, despite him being considered the best perimeter defender in his draft class. Even so, he wasn't seen as a lottery pick because his 3-point shooting was a major question mark.
Luckily for the Suns, Dunn has made a quick and dramatic improvement as a shooter ahead of his rookie season, hitting 43.3% of his 6 3-point attempts per game during preseason. If Dunn can be a competent shooter this season, then he could make a huge impact on the Suns, who are short on depth.
The Phoenix Suns may have the "steal of the draft" in Ryan Dunn.
NBA writer Kevin O'Conner recently called Ryan Dunn the potential "steal of the draft," and he may have a point.
Ryan Dunn might be the steal of the draft. The Suns really might have hit a grand slam with him. A defender of his elite caliber with his seemingly newfound jumper is a special piece for a contender, even as a rookie.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 14, 2024
If Dunn showed this level of improvement as a shooter during the draft process, then he would have likely been a lottery pick given that big three-and-D wings are at a premium in the NBA nowadays.
Extra extra shooting work for Ryan Dunn after practice. Got up 3s with a group and now is getting a few more up on his own. pic.twitter.com/YBkaswwMXg
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 15, 2024
In fact, Dunn with a 3-point shot has even drawn comparisons to New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones, who is considered to be incredibly valuable given his elite defense and capable shooting. That makes the improved Suns look even better after it initially appeared as though they wouldn't be all that deep. Dunn probably won't start but he could still give them a key rotation player.
The Phoenix Suns suddenly look like a much better team heading into the season.
With a rotation potentially consisting of Jones, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic, Monte Morris, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Dunn, and Mason Plumlee, the Suns have a deeper roster than expected. Dunn should be able to earn playing time due to his experience at UVA as a four-year player and
with his disruptive defense.
If he can knock down open threes, then that would make him passable on offense. That would also come far sooner than anyone could have reasonably expected after he shot just 20% last season from a shorter 3-point line. If Dunn can become a three-and-D player, then he would absolutely be a draft steal for the Suns.