Phoenix Suns big Oso Ighodaro’s shooting form looks better than at this time last season, but he has a full understanding that it’s a constant work in progress.
So, he was all ears having Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas give him pointers on free throws after Day 2 of Phoenix Suns training camp Sept. 30.
“Just talking to me, just showing me what he saw at the line, what he liked to do,” Ighodaro said. “Just giving me little pointers. He said he likes keeping his elbow in. Just giving me some tips what worked for him.”
Thomas has a relationship with Suns team owner Mat Ishbia, who has been in Phoenix during training camp, which continues Oct. 1 at the team’s practice facility.
Isiah Thomas working with Suns big Oso Ighodaro on
his FT shooting. #Suns pic.twitter.com/ExqI87XbuG
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 30, 2026
“It’s really cool,” Ighodaro said about Thomas working with him after practice. “He called me over by name. That was a really cool thing. Anyone who is a fan of basketball knows how great he was and what he did for the game. That means a lot to me.”
Ighodaro shot just 45.3% from the free throw line last season after making 58% of his free throws as a rookie in 2024-25. He more than doubled his attempts from his first season (29-of-50) to his second season (53-of-117).
Thomas made 75.9% of his free throws in his NBA career, reaching a career-best 81.8% in leading the Pistons to the first of back-to-back NBA championships in 1988-89.
Ighodaro may find himself going to line even more this season as Mark Williams will miss several months with a left shoulder injury.
The 7-footer tore his labrum during an offseason workout and underwent surgery Sept. 10.
Ighodaro is competing with Khaman Malauch for the starting center position. Maluach went 22-of-31 (71%) from the line in the 46 games he played last season as a rookie.
“In terms of me and Khaman, we've been competing for the last two months,” Ighodaro said on Suns media day Sept. 28. “I don't think anything is guaranteed just because Mark's out and I played last year. It doesn't guarantee me the starting spot this year. I think everything needs to be earned. Khaman has gotten a lot better. I'm excited to see what he does this year.”
"In terms of me and Khaman, we've been competing for the last two months. I don't think anything is guaranteed just because Mark's out and I played last year. It doesn't guarantee me the starting spot this year. I think everything needs to be earned."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 30, 2026
Oso Ighodaro on battling… pic.twitter.com/hxzPMNY8PR
Suns getting 5-on-5 action
The Suns got in some up-and-down run Sept. 30 as they had NBA officials at practice.
“It was tied when I ended it,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “It ended good.”
The Suns have an NBA-limit 21 players on their training camp roster, leaving Ott with the task of trying to make sure everyone gets a look in camp.
“It’s definitely a balance, probably today some guys aren’t happy they didn’t get to play enough, but we have three weeks,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. "We’ll have multiple preseason games. Everyone competing for spots will get the opportunity to compete, but also, our rotation guys have to get a rhythm themselves.”
The Suns open preseason play on the road Oct. 5, against the Detroit Pistons.
“We’ll prioritize that and then other guys who are trying to fight for spots or fight for position will get their opportunities. Today was just a little teaser into all of it. This is the first day they played. More is coming Friday.”
The Suns are having their “Fan Fest” at 6 p.m., on Oct. 2 at Mortgage Matchup Center. The timing falls in line with the team having a major scrimmage earlier that day at the practice facility.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns big Oso Ighodaro getting free throw tips from Hall of Famer
