Twenty-eighth choice of the 2024 Draft, Ryan Dunn had all the appearance of a “steal” from the Suns in preseason. After four games, including one as a starter following the absence of Bradley Beal on Saturday against Dallas, the Phoenix rookie confirms that he is a good defender, but also that he now represents a threat behind the 3-point line , a sector in which he was nevertheless singled out during his university career at Virginia.
Interviewed by Sportskeeda, Ryan Dunn is income on his understanding with Kevin Durant, his shooting work with Devin Booker and the key moments of his preseason which made him realize his entry into the Big League.
Already strong links
In preseason, the 21-year-old winger impressed in a victory against Denver with three 3-point shots in a row. On the bench, Kevin Durant's enthusiasm did not leave the New York native indifferent.
“It was great. He's someone I've always admired. It instills in me the confidence to continue to shoot and take these initiatives. It’s great to have him for support, in addition to all these guys who push me to play freely”. In five preseason games, Ryan Dunn averaged 9.4 points on 43% shooting.
Statistics that the rookie hopes to increase, drawing inspiration from Devin Booker's shooting mechanics. “I think Book has one of the best shooting mechanics I've seen. I try to see how he shoots to imitate him. I ask him questions and take some advice. I analyze his way of doing things to absorb it. »
More generally, the “rookie” says he is attentive to the efforts of his “All-Star” teammates in training, like Kevin Durant and in particular Bradley Beal. “I watch them train, they always give their all. They shoot 100% all the time. It's really important to them. »
When Ryan Dunn meets King LeBron James
It was at the Acrisure Arena, a “modest” California venue, that the Suns’ preseason began. Against the Lakers of a LeBron James starting his 22nd season, Ryan Dunn was called by Mike Budenholzer for a slightly intimidating mission: to defend on the “King”.
The winger had to pinch himself to believe it. “At the time, it was just about defending on a player. But after seeing the pictures, I was like, 'Wow, it's LeBron James!' It was cool. I tried to stay on my feet. But obviously he is strong and he can go wherever he wants. At his age, he knows all kinds of tricks. It was great to defend on him. I had good times, but so did he. It was great. »
And this night, he did even better by helping to limit LeBron James to 11 points on 3/14 shots, even countering him once! Ryann Dunn scores 7 points in 13 minutes, and the Suns are the first to bring down the Lakers.
A performance in line with what he had produced during the first three matches since the rookie played around 15 minutes for 8 points at 50% shooting and 46% from 3-points.
Mike Budenholzer's confidence
With Oso Ighodaro, the Suns' second rookie trying to find a place behind Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee, Mike Budenholzer is enjoying the enthusiasm of his two newcomers.
“Since the day they were chosen, they have been fantastic. They are in the gym, they are working. They are sponges. They talk to their teammates. They talk to those they can learn the most from, including coaches. They earned the right to play and the respect of their teammates, as well as mine. They will help us. We will help them grow and we are excited for their future” concludes the franchise technician.
