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We are now over three weeks into the NBA season. The Phoenix Suns have established themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA nearly 10 games into the season behind a reshaped supporting roster, a new head coach in Mike Budenholzer, and a more natural offensive role for each member of the big three.
Perhaps the most unheralded moves in an effort to re-establish the franchise at the top of the NBA again was the effort over the last year to reshape the wing rotation.
The two most vital decisions that were made in that process were the trade deadline move for Royce O'Neale in February and selecting Virginia's Ryan Dunn in June.
O'Neale was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets for second round picks and expiring contracts before eventually re-signing to a 4-year team-friendly contract in free agency. Dunn was seen as a project - particularly on the offensive side of the ball - when going through the pre-draft process.
O'Neale has been a diamond in the rough this season, developing into the Swiss army knife that fans had hoped he would be.
Royce O'Neale as a ball-screener is always good stuff. Especially when it's for Kevin Durant.
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) November 5, 2024
KD hits Royce in the pocket and lets him make a play pic.twitter.com/DlY8lnZkoV
O'Neale currently holds the best plus/minus on the team this season. He is setting career-highs in field goal percentage (48.1) and three-point percentage (47.1) alike. O'Neale's ability as an off-ball stationary shooter, on-ball screener, and connective passer can't be understates either. O'Neale simply makes winning plays on the offensive side of the ball.
As for Dunn, he had begun to cool off after a blazing October stretch that the rookie stud averaged 9.4 PPG on 44% from three-point range. His explosive athleticism has also been on full display with a handful of impressive plays in the lane.
The 6'8" wing also came through in a massive way last night against the Miami Heat prior to leaving the game with an ankle sprain, hitting both looks from behind the arc and continuing to look like a pro ready player all-around.
As for both together - they have been the ring leaders of a Suns' defense that has outperformed the offense to this point.
The Suns currently have the best on-ball perimeter defense duo in the NBA:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 6, 2024
Royce O’Neale = 33.3 DFG%
Ryan Dunn = 36.6 DFG%
Both wings have been huge assets to Phoenix’s hot 6-1 start. pic.twitter.com/yGLXI5gME0
Dunn's instant impact on defense was expected and has been more than welcome - with his athletic ability/anticipation being keys to being capable of holding his own against elite offensive engines.
O'Neale has been a revelation as a defender this season - and that has been a major difference maker for the outlook of the Suns through at least the regular season.
What a sequence for Royce O'Neale!pic.twitter.com/XhEgMgjBKy
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) October 27, 2024
O'Neale has averaged 1.8 steals+blocks per night so far, and the impact he has brought to the table has superseded that impressive output for an undersized forward.
The hustle plays, timely contributions to defensive stops, and generally connected nature of how he fits in the team defense have made O'Neale perhaps the most consequential add the franchise has made over the last calendar year.
Whether this duo can make a difference in a potential postseason run is unclear. What is certain is that the supporting cast should be able to put them in optimal positions to continue to make game-changing impact through the regular season.
More must-reads:
- Mavericks' Mark Cuban sends strong message on Anthony Davis, but he should change his tune
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- The 'NFL single-game completions leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Luka Doncic snubbed Austin Reaves during postgame interview
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have both gotten off to career-best starts with the Los Angeles Lakers this season, and their relationship off the court appears to be thriving as much as it is on it. Just don’t expect Doncic to admit that. Doncic and Reaves have what has been described as a “bromance.” The two hit it off almost instantly after the Lakers acquired Doncic in a stunning blockbuster trade last season. The brotherly dynamic between the two was on full display after the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 140-126 on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. As Doncic was being interviewed on the court, Reaves came over and patted the five-time All-Star on the back. Reaves sarcastically told Doncic, “Good job, friend.” Doncic kept a straight face and looked at the camera and shook his head. Doncic was then asked if the two are friends. He said Reaves wants to be friends with him but that he is “not allowing it.” Doncic also said there is “nothing” Reaves can do to earn his friendship. Doncic and Reaves have bonded over their competitive spirit and love of trash talk, among other things. In a feature he wrote earlier this month, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said several Lakers sources told him that Doncic and Reaves have a “bromance” and are always giving one another a hard time. The dynamics of the relationship have also become evident during interviews. If jokingly snubbing Reaves is what works for Doncic, the Lakers are probably hoping it continues. Both Doncic and Reaves are off to outstanding starts to the season, with Doncic averaging 34.6 points per game and Reaves averaging 28.1. If they can both sustain that pace, they might wind up competing with one another for various NBA honors.
New Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez reveals interesting health update after Orioles trade
Acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, new Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez believes there is a big reason why he is ready to put his injury history behind him in Anaheim. Just three days after turning 26 years old, Rodriguez is now a member of the Angels after a one-for-one trade that sent outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore. He is also hoping that a new location means an end to injuries that have limited him to 43 starts over the past three seasons. That includes zero starts and innings in 2025 because of an elbow issue in spring training, followed by a right lateral strain in April. More elbow problems popped up for Rodriguez in July before he underwent debridement surgery on his elbow in August, officially ending his season. That surgery, however, is, Rodriguez believes, the key to his return to the mound in 2026 as well as his ability to stay on it. Angels' Grayson Rodriguez said bone spurs have been an issue for a long time In a Zoom meeting with Angels reporters on Wednesday, Rodriguez said the bone spurs that were removed had been a problem for years. "That was something that's kind of lingered with me for about three or four years now," Rodriguez said. "I've had them for a while and kind of just got to the point where I couldn't really pitch through it. Pretty sure that's kind of what was causing some of the lat injuries." If that's the case, it could unlock a pitcher who has logged a 4.11 ERA in 238.2 innings over those 43 starts. He has also registered 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings while issuing just 2.9 walks. Getting those kinds of numbers would be a big boost for an Angels rotation that finished 28th out of MLB's 30 teams last season in ERA at 4.91. It would also represent a missed opportunity for an Orioles team that has stated it is looking for another front-line starter. Rodriguez said on Wednesday he would be ready for spring training, giving hope to the Angels that they have found a pitcher who can be a long-term answer for them on the mound. Rodriguez is not scheduled to be a free agent until the 2030 season. If Rodriguez can stay healthy and produce in Anaheim, it would be a gut punch for an Orioles team that is looking to get back into the postseason conversation in 2026. However, time will tell if those bone spurs are truly the answer to Rodriguez staying healthy and on the field.
Packers Receive Disappointing Injury News Before Vikings Matchup
Jayden Reed’s anticipated return to the practice field for the Green Bay Packers will have to wait a little longer. Despite some growing hope earlier this week that the dynamic wide receiver could begin the next phase of his recovery, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that Reed will not open his 21-day practice window yet. “He’s not practicing today,” LaFleur said ahead of Sunday’s critical matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. When pressed for a clearer timeline on the second-year standout, who remains on injured reserve with collarbone and foot injuries, LaFleur deferred to the medical staff. “I don’t know. As soon as medical clears him, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “I know he’s excited to get back. As am I.” The optimism had spiked in recent days. On Monday, LaFleur indicated there was a chance Reed and/or rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd could start their practice windows this week. Reed himself fueled the excitement Tuesday by sharing a photo of himself dressed in full uniform on social media. Those plans, however, are now on hold. Reed’s surgically repaired foot seems to have healed satisfactorily, but the collarbone—fractured on a diving attempt during the first half of Green Bay’s Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders—still needs additional time. For a wide receiver whose job involves regular physical contact and the risk of landing hard on the shoulder, the medical staff is requiring clear imaging evidence that the bone is strong enough before green-lighting a return. The cautious approach echoes the Packers’ handling of Aaron Rodgers’ similar collarbone injury in 2017, when the former quarterback sat out seven games while waiting for full healing. Nearly 10 weeks removed from the injury and having already missed eight contests, Reed could still require another one to two weeks before doctors are comfortable clearing him for football activities. That timeline keeps a potential return for the Thanksgiving night clash with the Detroit Lions or the following week against the Chicago Bears realistically in play. Before the injury, Reed had established himself as Green Bay’s top receiving weapon. He paced the team in receiving yards in both 2023 and 2024, and in the two games he played this season while managing the foot issue, he recorded three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. The Green Bay Packers will continue their Week 12 preparations without their leading wideout on the practice field, with LaFleur and the organization prioritizing full recovery over a rushed comeback.
Aaron Rodgers explains his criteria for playing Sunday vs. Bears
Aaron Rodgers has always been a tough quarterback. He has dealt with several injuries throughout the course of his career, but he's always done everything he could to see the field. That's no different now that he's with the Pittsburgh Steelers and dealing with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Rodgers injured himself against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but he's already talking about trying to get back for Pittsburgh's Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears. In fact, he revealed on Wednesday that he will try things out at practice before this week is over. "It feels better than it did Sunday, that's for sure," Rodgers said Wednesday afternoon, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "... Was thankful to get today to work with [head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for today. Trying to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do." Aaron Rodgers going to test out his wrist injury on Thursday Rodgers wants to be able to play against the Bears, a team he has owned throughout the years, but he's also saying that he'll be cautious. Remember, he is just weeks away from turning 42. A fractured wrist would be tough to play with at 24. As anyone who has ever gotten older would attest, things tend to hurt even more as you age. Throw in the fact that Rodgers is playing perhaps the most physical sport on Earth, and it makes sense that he does have a very specific standard that he must meet before he decides if he can play — and it has nothing to do with pain. "It's a safety thing," Rodgers said. Rodgers has played in 29 regular-season games against the Bears in his NFL career. Including two playoff wins, he boasts a 26-5 record against them. Since he last squared off with Chicago as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers in 2022, he had won nine games in a row against the Bears. If he feels he can keep himself safe on Sunday, you can bet he's going to try to play.
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