The Phoenix Suns' playoff aspirations this season have a surprising unsung hero: Royce O'Neale. While he might not be the first name that comes to mind, his steady presence has been crucial. Tied with Oso Ighodaro for the most games played this season, O'Neale has been a reliable fixture in a team beset by injuries.
O'Neale's consistency has been exactly what Phoenix needed. Despite rumors of the Suns seeking an upgrade at power forward, they stuck with O'Neale, even though he's often undersized in matchups. His shooting prowess, however, compensates for this, with a 39.4 percent average from beyond the arc-second only to Grayson Allen on the team.
His contribution goes beyond offense. The Suns rank an impressive eighth in defensive efficiency, and O'Neale's role in this cannot be overstated. He's not the long-term answer at power forward, but no one else on the roster has challenged him for more minutes, allowing him to maximize his impact.
While Oso Ighodaro hasn't stepped into a larger role in his sophomore season and Isaiah Livers has been hampered by injuries, O'Neale has taken on the challenge. His defensive efforts were highlighted when he helped contain Victor Wembanyama alongside Allen, contributing to a memorable victory.
Last season, O'Neale fit seamlessly with veterans like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Despite a changing roster and low expectations, he's shown that dedication and hard work can earn you playing time and a starting spot.
Without O'Neale's contributions, the Suns wouldn't be as successful this season. Even if he doesn't receive the accolades he deserves, his impact is undeniable.