The Phoenix Suns are back, and they’re not wasting any time. The Valley secured two wins in their first two preseason games against the Los Angeles Lakers, 118-114, and the Detroit Pistons, 105-97.
With a slightly healthy squad, Phoenix has its eyes on the prize. After last season’s disappointing finish, the team is eager to prove that they are still contenders.
And from the looks of it, they just might be.
The Rise of Ryan Dunn
The Suns have rookies for the first time since they drafted Jalen Smith in 2020. Among the rookies, Ryan Dunn stood out and showed the fans that he’s NBA ready.
In his first game against the Purple & Gold, he finished with 9 points and 3 rebounds. He followed that up with a 10-point, 4-rebound, and 1 steal performance against the Pistons.
The most notable part of his preseason debut? He was tasked with guarding LeBron James and Cade Cunningham.
“He’s been taking the challenge all preseason. Especially in practice.
Giving him the opportunity to get early runs, having time to guard LeBron. It’s making him learn and just help him out however we can.”
That was Royce O’Neale talking about Dunn. It’s clear that the veteran is impressed by what he’s seen from the rookie.
Jones’s Court Vision
The acquisition of Tyus Jones was one of the most underrated moves during the offseason. The Valley needed a point guard to replace Chris Paul, and they got one of the best backups in the league.
With Jones on the floor, he’s displayed his court vision well. He had 6 assists in his first game and 7 assists in his second game.
Oh, and he can shoot the ball, too. In their matchup against the Lakers, he shot 3-3 from beyond the arc and 60% from the field in his second game.
Beal’s Return
Generally speaking, preseason games shouldn’t be used to evaluate elite players, but Bradley Beal has demonstrated that he may be returning to his typical self. The three-time All-Star has played with more aggressiveness on the offensive end. He’s playing alongside a new point guard, but it looks like he and Jones already have chemistry.
Booker Still Finding His Groove
Devin Booker has played both preseason games but it looks like he needs to to adjust. In those two games, he’s attempted 25 shots and made only 8.
The former Kentucky guard can be excused for now since the beginning of October is filled with exhibition games. After all, he did play with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal during the FIBA World Cup, then played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics.
It’s safe to say that he’s still probably tired. Fans are expecting him to have a similar — if not, better — season than before, especially with Beal back on the court.
Remember how dominant Booker was when he and Durant shared the floor last season? Hopefully he can channel some more of that energy this season.
Lee and Bol’s Uncertain Futures
I know, Damion Lee is just coming back from a year-long rehab to fix his meniscus injury. That’s why he hasn’t performed well in the past two preseason games.
In 10 minutes off the bench in the first game against the Lakers, he scored 10 points on 2-3 shooting from the 3-point range. He played another 10 minutes before getting hurt in the second game.
Hopefully, he can stay healthy so he can play a full season.
A new season, a new chance for Bol Bol to prove himself. After two preseason games, however, Bol looked like he struggled to fit in with the team.
He played over 28 minutes in those games and scored only 2 points in 4 attempts. Unfortunately, it looks like he’ll be riding the bench this season.
It’s a shame, too, because he and Oso Ighodaro, Grayson Allen, and Monte Morris would’ve made a great second unit.
The Valley’s High Hopes
With Beal’s return to the court, the team’s Big 3 is complete. They’re also ready to play better than how they looked last season.
Only time will tell if they can keep this momentum going. But for now, Suns fans have every reason to be excited about the future.
