Ryan Dunn Is Already a Defensive Force - But Can the Offense Catch Up?
Ryan Dunn isn’t your typical rookie trying to fit into the NBA mold. He’s not a polished “3&D” wing - not yet, anyway.
Think of him more as a “D and... developing” kind of player. The defense is already there, loud and clear.
The offense? Still a work in progress.
And that’s what makes him such an intriguing study early in the season: you can see the outline of something special, but the picture isn’t fully painted yet.
What’s Already Clicking: Defense That Pops Off the Screen
From the moment Dunn steps on the floor, one thing jumps out - this guy gets defense. His anticipation is next-level for a player his age. He reads drives like a seasoned vet, closes down angles without overcommitting, and gives the Suns the freedom to gamble more on the perimeter because they know he’s cleaning up behind them.
He’s not just reacting out there - he’s processing. Dunn can track the ball and the weak side at the same time, which isn’t something you usually see in a rookie. That kind of court awareness is rare, and it’s already paying dividends for Phoenix.
In transition, he’s a problem - for the other team. He sprints back faster than the ball, jumps passing lanes, and turns what should be easy points into contested, chaotic possessions.
The last time the Suns had someone like this was Mikal Bridges. Long, mobile, locked-in, and unbothered by screens.
Dunn’s numbers back it up too - he’s in that elite company of players posting both a +1% block rate and +2.5% steal rate this season. That’s the same statistical neighborhood as OG Anunoby, Jalen Suggs, and Keon Ellis - all known for their defensive chops.
And while he’s technically a wing, Dunn’s rebounding presence is felt. He’s averaging 5 boards a game, right behind bigger bodies like Mark Williams and Royce O’Neale.
On the defensive glass, he’s solid - but it’s on the offensive boards where he really makes noise. Nearly 2 offensive rebounds per game and an 8% offensive rebound rate?
That’s huge for his position. It doesn’t always show up in the highlight reels, but anyone watching closely sees how hard he crashes the glass.
It’s a gritty, game-shifting skill that gives the Suns extra possessions and wears down opponents.
Where It’s Still a Work in Progress: The Offensive Puzzle
Now, let’s talk offense - because that’s where things get murky. Dunn’s shot mechanics aren’t broken, but they’re not fluid either.
He’s taking a lot of open threes - nearly 70% of his looks from deep are uncontested - but he’s only converting 32% of them on catch-and-shoot opportunities. For a player trying to carve out a consistent role, especially in a starting lineup, that’s a number that needs to climb.
And it’s not just the jumper. Dunn’s offensive game, as a whole, still lacks variety.
He’s not a threat off the ball, and he’s not creating much with it either. Statistically, he’s sitting in the bottom tier in terms of paint and midrange scoring, as well as movement scoring - 15th and 10th percentile, respectively.
That’s a red flag when it comes to lineup flexibility. Coaches need players who can fit into multiple roles, and right now, Dunn’s offensive limitations narrow those options.
His ball-handling is functional - it gets the job done in a straight line. But when it’s time to change pace, shift direction, or shake a defender?
That’s where the coordination between his upper body and lower half isn’t quite there yet. It’s not unusual for young players, but it’s something that needs reps, structure, and patience to iron out.
Even on defense, where he shines, there are moments where his instincts can get the better of him. He’ll over-help at times, leaving corners open in anticipation of a play that doesn’t materialize. It’s a byproduct of his aggressive mindset - a good problem to have, but still one that needs refining.
The Big Picture: A Defensive Foundation Worth Building Around
What Ryan Dunn brings to the table defensively is already NBA-caliber. He’s instinctive, disruptive, and versatile - the kind of player who can anchor a second unit or close games with the starters when you need stops. His presence alone raises the Suns’ defensive ceiling.
But for him to become more than a specialist - to truly earn a consistent, high-minute role - the offense has to catch up. That means improving the jumper, becoming more dynamic off the ball, and tightening up his handle. None of that happens overnight, but Dunn has the tools and the mindset to get there.
The Suns’ challenge is to give him the space to grow without dulling the edge that makes him special. If they can do that - if Dunn can stabilize his shot and expand his offensive toolkit - he’s got the potential to be a starter who impacts both ends of the floor.
Right now, he’s somewhere between the defensive brilliance of Mikal Bridges and the physical edge of Dillon Brooks. If he can blend that defensive DNA with just enough offensive growth, we’re looking at a player who could be a key piece in Phoenix’s long-term plans.