PHOENIX — With Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken left hand and Jordan Goodwin out with a left calf strain, the Phoenix Suns are missing two of their toughest players who contribute significantly to the team’s competitive edge. This situation opens the door for second-year wing Ryan Dunn to step up into what may become the most significant role of his career so far.
Coming into this season, Dunn’s progress had been underwhelming after an encouraging rookie year. Though the 23-year-old showed potential last season as a versatile contributor, injuries and an inconsistent role have hindered his development. Still, optimism remains around his ability to grow into a dependable rotation player in the Suns’ lineup.
Ryan Dunn’s Journey and Early Season Performance
In his rookie year, Dunn exhibited noticeable offensive improvements after a challenging college tenure at Virginia, where confidence and production were limited. His transition to the NBA featured increased trust in his abilities, although lingering injuries and role ambiguity kept his progress from being steady. Expectations were high that his second season would see greater consistency and impact.
At the season’s start, Dunn seemed poised to fulfill those hopes, averaging 10 points and 5.8 rebounds in under 25 minutes across the first nine games. His ability to contribute offensively, especially off-ball as a cutter and screener, was evident despite only hitting 31.4% of his three-point attempts.
“Great start to the year offensively for Ryan Dunn. Yes, he has to hit his 3s (32%), but all these clips are in the half-court showing how his cutting and screening fit so much better with these Suns. Shooting 70% on his 2s. Also showing some more confidence as a handler/passer.” ?Kellan Olson, NBA Analyst
This promising start highlighted Dunn’s capacity to fit within Phoenix’s offensive system, but the momentum did not last. Since early November, his production has dropped sharply, with only two double-figure scoring games in 41 appearances, reducing his average to five points and cutting his minutes to around 18 per game. His shooting percentages, including 32% from beyond the arc and 55.6% from the foul line, underscore the struggles he faces returning to form.
Efforts to Regain Offensive Opportunities
Dunn has acknowledged the need to create more scoring chances beyond open perimeter shots, focusing on movement and spacing, particularly in transition. This self-awareness is vital as he attempts to regain a larger impact role on offense for the Suns.
“That’s a great question. Just finding ways to get more opportunities,”
Dunn said when asked about his scoring struggles, emphasizing his commitment to improving how he creates chances.
Head coach Jordan Ott frames Dunn’s development within a broader understanding of growth for a young player, stressing that progress is not necessarily linear or immediate. Ott values Dunn’s defensive contributions and athleticism, encouraging him to continue focusing on these strengths as offensive consistency follows.
“He is an incredible athlete, he applies a ton of pressure on the ball and he’s a really good off-ball rebounder, which we need, and he just needs to continue to disrupt every second he’s on the floor defensively. Offense comes. Offense usually comes a little bit later in a lot of development pieces.” ?Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns Head Coach
Defensive Challenges and Adjustments
Despite clear defensive potential, Dunn has not matched the impactful presence he showed last season. Issues like difficulty navigating screens and fouling have persisted, diminishing his influence on that end of the floor. Yet, Ott admits that some of this reduction may be related to Dunn’s usage on defense, as the team has shifted some on-ball defensive assignments elsewhere.
With Brooks and Goodwin’s absences, Dunn will now move higher in the defensive rotation and receive more opportunities to assert himself.
“It’s a little bit just learning the league,”
Ott explained regarding Dunn’s development in defense, adding,
“Learning the league and the league learning him.”
Ryan Dunn’s Determination to Seize His Chance
Dunn expresses readiness and confidence in taking on a more substantial role, emphasizing trust in the coaching staff and resolving to reclaim defensive opportunities.
“Just trying to be ready for the moment. I trust this staff and we have great on-ball defenders,”
he said.
“Now, it’s just trying to step back up and get those opportunities again just to get ready for that.”
He also aims to enhance his defensive contributions by playing strong individual defense while supporting team defense schemes.
“Being able to play great individual defense and then playing team defense on the back end.”
Last season, Dunn produced nearly a dozen performances where his energetic defense noticeably shifted the course of games. Early this season saw flashes of that same commitment, with Dunn aggressively chasing loose balls and crashing boards, demonstrating his willingness to play physically despite the risks involved.
“Ryan Dunn was a damn menace last night.” ?Kellan Olson, NBA Analyst
Such intensity contributed to a wrist sprain he suffered after attempting a dunk over Rudy Gobert. Nonetheless, the Suns are encouraging him to maintain that playing style, understanding its value.
Support from Coaching Staff and Outlook Moving Forward
Regaining confidence remains critical for Dunn. Those familiar with sports can often spot when a young athlete has lost some of their edge, and Dunn is no exception. However, his mental and physical makeup suggest he can bounce back under the right guidance.
“His spirit doesn’t change. He’s an incredible worker, he’s incredibly hard on himself, which we know at the end of the day those two things lead to success down the road. Don’t know if it’s tonight, don’t know if it’s the next night, don’t know exactly when that comes and when that pop of consistent minutes where they impact winning comes. We just know who he is and how he works.” ?Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns Head Coach
Dunn also appreciates the support from Ott, who has been a consistent source of communication, confidence, and clear expectations for him during this challenging period.
“He’s a guy I’ve been able to talk to. Just being able to speak with him and talk to him, giving me confidence to keep doing my job. Telling me things I need to work on, telling me what I’m good at and my strengths and what he needs from me for this team. Every night I know what they expect from me when I come out on the floor.”
Competition and Role Clarity amid Team Changes
Dunn will face competition for playing time from other wings on the Suns’ roster. Coach Ott has previously given minutes to Amir Coffey and trusted two-way contract signee Isaiah Livers toward the end of the rotation. Rookie Rasheer Fleming is also waiting for his chance, and Haywood Highsmith was signed to provide additional depth.
This crowded wing group means the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Dunn to cement his value to the team. The way he responds to this opportunity, especially given the Dillon Brooks injury impact, could influence who Ott relies on most during the crucial closing stretch of the season.
Great start to the year offensively for Ryan Dunn. Yes, he has to hit his 3s (32%), but all these clips are in the half-court showing how his cutting and screening fit so much better with these Suns. Shooting 70% on his 2s. Also showing some more confidence as a handler/passer. pic.twitter.com/HKLyXlCYhd
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 3, 2025
Ryan Dunn was a damn menace last night. pic.twitter.com/7iN7rYieGE
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 24, 2025
Ryan Dunn would be dunk of the year candidate 🤯 pic.twitter.com/PRyViUsx88
— Gabe Guerrero (@GabeGuerrero03) November 22, 2025
