Welcome to Inside the Suns
Each week, the Fantable—Bright Siders engaging in roundtable discussions—shares their perspectives on the Suns’ latest developments.
Fantable Questions of the Week
Q1: Oso Ighodaro, previously getting limited minutes, has averaged 27.5 minutes per game in the last four matchups (vs. Houston, Sacramento, Lakers, and Toronto) and posted the highest +/- on the team. What’s your take?
GuarGuar: “I will never forgive Bud for benching Dunn and Oso for half the season when so many others weren’t putting in defensive effort. It’s been obvious for months that the team needed their energy nightly. Oso may be undersized, but he fights. And he’s easily our best offensive center—an EXCELLENT playmaker and phenomenal in the short roll when our stars get doubled.”
OldAz: “He just fits. When Nurk was injured earlier in the season, I argued Oso should be a starter—not because he was the best center, but because he complemented KD well. He’s active, uses his length, and fights for rebounds. His impact is clear in the +/-.”
Rod: “Glad he’s back in the rotation. After some G League time, he looks more confident offensively. The hustle and energy he, Dunn, Gillespie, and Martin bring is contagious, and the Suns have responded well. He may be a bit undersized for a center, but his basketball IQ makes up for it.”
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Q2: Ryan Dunn has worked his way out of Bud’s doghouse, averaging 24.5 minutes and 12.5 points per game in the last four outings. What do you think of his impact?
GuarGuar: “Dunn’s shot might be inconsistent, but his defense and energy are always there. He’s a great cutter and rim threat—something this team has badly needed. I’m thrilled to see him starting and thriving.”
OldAz: “The Suns have had moments of effort this season, but it’s been inconsistent. Dunn, however, has stayed steady—playing solid defense and being confident in his role. It’s frustrating he wasn’t playing more earlier. His length, athleticism, and defensive intensity were exactly what the team lacked after the All-Star break.”
Rod: “I always liked Dunn’s defense, but he’s become more than just a 3&D player. Early in the season, he waited at the three-point line, but now he’s cutting and driving. His all-around energy has been a game-changer for the Suns.”
Q3: Now that we’ve seen Cody Martin in action, what’s your opinion?
GuarGuar: “Cody is intriguing. His jumper is terrible, but he’s a solid defender with good length and energy—something this team desperately needs. I’m happy to have him in the rotation.”
OldAz: “I wasn’t familiar with him and thought 6’5” was too small to make an impact. But on the court, he plays bigger than his size. His energy and athleticism fit perfectly around KD and Book. The last week has shown the blueprint: surround them with young, energetic players who hustle, defend, and rebound.”
Rod: “I love Martin’s defense, and he’s a surprisingly good ball handler and passer. In just 44.5 minutes, he’s tallied six steals and three blocks. He plays smart—doesn’t overdo it on offense, but contributes when needed. Initially, I thought he’d be waived to help the Suns avoid the second tax apron, but now he might be a keeper.
Roookie Report
Ryan Dunn – Averaging 17.6 mpg, 6.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.6 bpg, 43.4% FG
Oso Ighodaro – Averaging 15.1 mpg, 3.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 60.9% FG
(Last week’s stats included for comparison.)
Injury Report
Bradley Beal (Hamstring) – Out until at least March 26
Nick Richards (Calf) – Game-time decision
Grayson Allen (Foot) – Game-time decision
Mason Plumlee (Quadriceps) – Out until at least March
Notable Quotes of the Week
“If I’m out on the floor, I’m going to play hard. I’m going to exhaust myself and then if I need a breather, they’ll probably get me out of the game.” – Collin Gillespie
“I’ve been working on that with Bud and Chad (Forcier) since day one I got here. I knew that was kinda gonna be a thing I had to go through.” – Ryan Dunn on his floaters and cuts
“We need to win games. Hopefully, they lose some. We can sneak into that 10, maybe 9 spot and handle business when we get there.” – Devin Booker
Important Upcoming Dates
April 13 – End of NBA regular season
April 14 – Rosters finalized for NBA Playoffs
April 15-18 – Play-In Tournament
April 19 – NBA Playoffs begin
May 12 – NBA Lottery
June 25-26 – NBA Draft
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