Suns standout rookie is already drawing rave reviews

Ryan Dunn has enjoyed a strong start to his life in the NBA. Selected with the 28th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dunn is rapidly outplaying expectations. He's already emerging as one of the better young point-of-attack defenders in the league and has begun to showcase some upside as a perimeter threat.

Dunn is shooting 39.4% on 4.1 attempts per game over his first eight outings in the league. According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, multiple NBA scouts are high on Dunn's perimeter scoring potential. 

"Multiple scouts this week told ESPN they believe Dunn could be a credible threat from beyond the arc, an ideal fit on a roster bereft of plus wing defenders apart from O'Neale," Bontemps wrote. "Phoenix did a nice job deepening its roster, drafting Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and adding Tyus Jones, Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee in free agency."

At 6-foot-6, Dunn has all the tools necessary to become an elite three-and-D wing in the future. Granted, his shooting numbers are likely the byproduct of playing in a system where opposing defenses are locked in on Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Nevertheless, the speed at which Dunn has adapted to the NBA's pace and physicality is highly encouraging. 

Given their limited draft assets and financial flexibility, the Suns were in desperate need of some young talents. They drafted well this summer and are already reaping the benefits of their thorough scouting work. 

Dunn is unlikely to be a ceiling-raiser for the Suns in the near future. Still, he fills a genuine position and role of need within the rotation and clearly has significant potential. If he can continue converting his perimeter shots at his current clip while also locking down on defense, he will get legitimate minutes all year — and, yes, that includes the playoffs.