We’re continuing our Bright Side series by exploring what success looks like for each Suns player in 2025–26.
Ryan Dunn’s sophomore season may not grab headlines the way Devin Booker or Jalen Green will, but Suns fans should not overlook the importance of his development.
If Dillon Brooks brings the edge and veteran toughness Phoenix has been missing, Dunn represents something else entirely. He is the long-term swing piece. A 22-year-old forward with elite defensive instincts, explosive athleticism,
and a motor that never stops, Dunn embodies the type of two-way role player every team needs.
The challenge is simple: how quickly can Ryan Dunn’s offensive game catch up to his defense?
The Numbers
Dunn’s rookie season was a mixed bag, which should not surprise anyone familiar with his scouting report heading into the association. Defensively, he looked the part right away. His length and timing disrupted possessions, and he consistently found himself in the right spots on rotations.
The advanced metrics backed it up: Phoenix was noticeably better defensively with the rook on the floor, despite his limited role. The defense was as advertised.
The other side of the ball told a different story. Dunn shot just 31.1 percent from three and looked hesitant when left wide open at times. He had a strong start to the season, connecting on 11 of his first 25 three-point attempts. But that quickly snapped back into reality as he shot just 25% from deep in November and December. The lack of shooting gravity limited his minutes, especially in lineups where spacing was already tight.
For Dunn, success in Year 2 does not mean suddenly becoming a 15-point scorer after averaging just under 7 points per game his rookie year. It means finding ways to stay on the floor. If he can bring his three-point percentage into the mid-30s while maintaining his defensive impact, he will carve out a more impactful, two-way role. He has shown the ability to slash and finish off the dribble from time to time, so that’ll be another evolution to his offensive game we’ll need to see progress in.
The Role & Intangibles
Phoenix is betting big on younger talent like Dunn, Jalen Green, and Mark Williams. For Dunn specifically, the Suns need him to do three things consistently: guard multiple positions, crash the glass, and punish defenses when they ignore him in the corners.
The beauty of Dunn’s skill set is that it complements high-volume scorers like Booker and Green perfectly. He does not need the ball in his hands to make an impact. He just needs to be a reliable connector piece who can thrive in lineups where the offense runs elsewhere.
There is a maturity about Dunn that stands out, even at 22. He plays with the discipline of a veteran on defense, something you cannot teach. The Suns are hoping that the experience gained in his rookie year, coupled with the mentorship of someone like Dillon Brooks, accelerates his growth. They can take turns guarding the toughest assignments on a nightly basis. That duo, to me, is the most important part of their identity shift. Jordan Ott needs to get the most out of those two.
Dunn’s energy is contagious. He is the type of player who can swing momentum with a chase-down block, a deflection leading to a fast break, or a putback dunk that ignites the crowd. Phoenix needs that kind of spark plug.
What Success Looks Like
A successful season for Ryan Dunn will not be measured by points per game. It will be measured by whether he can close games out for Jordan Ott down the stretch.
If he can defend at a high level without being a liability on offense, he has a clear path to 25-plus minutes a night.
Success also means comfort and confidence. Comfort shooting the corner three when it swings to him. Comfort attacking a closeout instead of resetting the offense. Comfort trusting his instincts defensively without fear of foul trouble. Dunn, like many young players, is at his best when he is confident and not looking over his shoulder, afraid of making a mistake because it would lead to the bench. They need to let Ryan Dunn be Ryan Dunn.
If Dunn can bring those elements to the table, the Suns will have a confirmed key building block for the future. He may never be a star, but he has all the tools to be the type of player that championship teams rely on — the versatile forward who does the dirty work while the stars shine.
For a franchise that is clearly shifting toward youth and development, that might be exactly what success looks like.
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