The Phoenix Suns have some competition for the Dan Majerle Hustle Award this season. Yes, I decided to use the 2011 winner Grant Hill as the cover photo, sue me. This award runs deep in nostalgia when looking at past winners (we’ll get to that later).
Phoenix started handing out the award in 2003. P.J. Tucker holds the record as a four-time winner, and Mikal Bridges earned the hardware three times.
It’s not something we’ve had a ton of options for in years past, so it’s a welcome sight to have a group
of guys that could win it without anyone batting an eye. Last year’s winner went to then rookie Ryan Dunn, who certainly deserved it, but at the same time, there wasn’t much competition.
There are legitimately five or six players off the top of my head that should be in the conversation alone. That is a testament to what Jordan Ott and company have built. The posed question: Which Suns player do you think brings the most heart, hustle, and determination to the court?
The candidates that must be considered:
Jordan Goodwin — He is picking up full-court, and lays it all out on the line every single game. I cannot say enough great things about Goody. He’s been a culture changer and probably doesn’t get enough credit for being just that.
Collin Gillespie — Another strong candidate who should absolutely be in the running. You can never question his motor and willingness to get chippy. I might give him the slight edge over Goody since he has appeared in 72 games to Goodwin’s 63. That’s the tie-breaker for me.
Dillon Brooks — If not for his injury, Brooks would be another great candidate for this. Not only does he play hard every night, but he brings a toughness and grit to this team that has been infectious.
Oso Ighodaro — The case for Oso is strong as well. He always lays it all out on the line, and he has played in all 73 games this season.
Ryan Dunn — It’s not looking likely for Ryan Dunn to repeat as the winner this year. He may not have progressed as much as we’d like to have seen in year two overall, but he sure as heck does continue to play hard every single night.
Honorable Mentions: Grayson Allen, Rasheer Fleming, Jamaree Bouyea.
To me, it’s a toss-up between Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie. They each have a very strong case, and I would not be mad at either of them winning it. Can we have co-winners?
You can vote here: Dan Majerle Hustle Award
Past Dan Majerle Hustle Award winners:
- Ryan Dunn (2025)
- Grayson Allen (2024)
- Josh Okogie (2023)
- Mikal Bridges (2019, 2021, 2022)
- Jevon Carter (2020)
- Josh Jackson (2018)
- Alan Williams (2017)
- P.J. Tucker (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- Sebastian Telfair (2012)
- Grant Hill (2011)
- Jared Dudley (2010)
- Louis Amundson (2009)
- Grant Hill (2008)
- Leandro Barbosa (2007)
- Raja Bell (2006)
- Shawn Marion (2005)
- Casey Jacobsen (2004)
- Bo Outlaw (2003)
Man, all of the memories. A lot of memories here.
Who will join this illustrious list, Suns fans? Let us know your picks in the comments.
