Ryan Dunn is not your typical NBA rookie

Ryan Dunn is developing into a capable role player as he begins his NBA career. The 28th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has quickly made an impact on both ends of the floor in Phoenix.

After shooting 43.3% (13/30) from three in the preseason, Ryan Dunn is at 46.2% (6/13) through three games and leads all rookies in three-pointers made. He scored 13 points in 21 minutes in the win over Dallas on Saturday night.

Of course, it's not just about the shot falling – his effort on defense and his constant hustle pump energy into the Suns' defense. Some of his plays may not show up in the statistics, but he influences the game in many ways.

The 21-year-old averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 14.5 minutes per game in his first three games. His plus-minus is +3.3 and he ranks 5th overall in PPG among rookies.

More importantly, he earned the trust of Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer early on. So much so that he drew the start while Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen were both sidelined for Saturday's game against the Mavericks.

Coach Bud said of Dunn: “Ryan has earned the trust and respect of his teammates. I have earned the trust and respect of myself. Throw him into the fire. We need him to grow and develop.”

Gaining the trust of an experienced head coach like Budenholzer is not easy. We heard great things from both the team and veteran players about how both rookies were “ahead of schedule” or “advanced,” but that was before the games mattered.

It was a joy to see this hype manifest in real time.

The defense

What doesn't surprise us is Ryan Dunn's tenacious defense. Whether in the Summer League, the preseason or the regular season, it has been as advertised so far. He is everywhere.

Three games into his career, the offensive players are barely shooting 37.0% from the field as he was defended by Ryan Dunn. He fights for screens, he blasts passing lanes, he's in the right spot on the help side and he finishes hard. He does exactly what this team needs from him and provides infectious energy.

Kevin Durant also praised the newcomer: “I just love his attitude. I love that he’s physical, I love that he actually draws fouls.”

We've seen NBA stars like James Harden do their best to separate Ryan Dunn from them in a rookie move. That says everything you need to know about how he's viewed as a defenseman around the league. His reputation will only continue to grow if he gets meaningful minutes and plays on both ends.

His point defense on the wing is exactly what the Suns were missing last season. At his size, he is capable of guarding the big wings that Phoenix has struggled with all too often over the years. When Beal and Allen return, it will be interesting to see if Budenholzer wants to finish games with Dunn on defense and if so, who that loss would be.

Be that as it may, one thing is absolutely clear. Ryan Dunn will help the Phoenix Suns win basketball games.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images