Ryan Dunn made seven threes as a sophomore at UVA, and was a first-round pick of the Phoenix Suns almost entirely because he’s going to be a first-team All-NBA guy at some point soon, and for a long time after.
Dunn, to his credit, has made the transition from one-dimensional defense savant to three-and-D menace in record time.
The rookie started and logged 34 minutes for the Suns on Thursday, scoring 16 points, and shooting 4-of-9 from three-point range, in a 125-119 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Five games into his NBA career, Dunn is averaging 9.4 points per game, shooting 51.4 percent from the floor, and 44 percent from three.
And the shooting from three is at volume – he’s 11-of-25 through five games, so, he’s averaging five attempts per game.
In 2023-2024 at Virginia, Dunn attempted 35 threes in 34 games, and did almost all of his damage on cuts to the basket, offensive boards and in transition.
It’s early, but Suns beat writers are already speculating that Dunn could be playing his way into a regular spot in the starting lineup.
He was in the starting lineup last night in place of Bradley Beal, a prolific scorer who is a liability on the defensive end.
Dunn, as we know from his two years at Virginia, can guard 1-5.
The only question was, could he contribute at all on the offensive end?
Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer is high on what he’s seeing so far from Dunn.
“We definitely had him in our gym and worked with him, watched his shot, watched him in different situations, and felt like we’d be excited about getting him, and try to help him grow and develop,” Budenholzer said after the Thursday win.
“You know, sometimes it’s confidence,” Budenholzer said. “His mechanics are pretty solid, and we’re trying to help him. His work ethic has been amazing, his willingness to do anything. So, it’s been a good start for him, but he just needs to keep his head down, keep getting in the gym, keep working, keep his ears open. He’s got a chance.”
Video: Ryan Dunn 10/31 highlights
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Chris Graham
