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NBA Makes Ryan Dunn Announcement Amid Impressive Rookie Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The NBA announced four players who will be replacements for the 2025 Rising Stars Challenge and Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn was among those selected. Anthony Black of the Orlando Magic, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, and former Suns player Toumani Camara, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, were also named as replacements.

Dunn will replace Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Black, Camara and Thompson are replacing sophomores Dereck Lively II, Brandon Miller and Victor Wembanyama.

Of course, this is a well-deserved honor for all these players, including Dunn. Dunn has shown out in his rookie season for the Suns and has even replaced Bradley Beal in the starting lineup.

Phoenix selected Dunn 28th overall in the 2024 draft, and he has been one of the steals of the draft thus far. This season, the 22-year-old is averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range.

It was surprising that Dunn was not selected to the Rising Stars roster when they were originally unveiled, but he will be able to suit up during All-Star weekend after all.

“Got the call heading to the arena,” Dunn told Duane Rankin. “It felt great. Hopefully play the big man (Kevin Durant) over there.”

It is clear that Dunn is excited for the opportunity to play in the Rising Stars game, and he also mentioned the possibility of playing against his teammate and NBA All-Star starter Durant. Of course, the Rising Stars winner will play in the NBA All-Star mini tournament on Feb. 16 in San Francisco.

Fans can watch Dunn and the rest of the NBA’s best rookies and sophomores take part in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge on Friday Feb. 14 at 9:00 p.m. EST on TNT.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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