Ryan Dunn's journey to the NBA is a testament to resilience and versatility. Standing at a commanding 6-foot-8, the Phoenix Suns forward has transitioned from promising baseball talent to an impactful figure on the basketball court, a move initiated by an untimely elbow injury. But this detour set the stage for an ascendant career in basketball, taking him from Virginia's college courts to professional hardwood floors.
An Unlikely Path
"If you would have told me this 10 years ago, I would've thought you were smoking crack, or crazy," Dunn quipped about his trajectory from a baseball diamond to an NBA court. His early days of uncertainty gradually crystallized into a new dream, nurtured by his college tenure at Virginia.
Under the tutelage of Virginia's head coach, Tony Bennett, and assistant coach Orlando Vandross, Dunn developed a reputation for defensive prowess. Vandross remarked, "He covers a lot of ground. He can switch. He can rebound. He'll block a shot." Indeed, his collegiate career boasted a block rate of 10.6%, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Carving Out His Role
Upon entering the NBA, Dunn joined a Phoenix Suns team brimming with talent. Learning from teammates like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, he expressed his determination to contribute meaningfully: "Whatever my role is to help the team, I want to do that to win." This attitude has been pivotal as he establishes himself in the league.
His defensive skills have been on full display, most notably when he blocked none other than LeBron James at the rim during a game, a highlight that underscored his potential to become a defensive stalwart for the Suns.
Sharpening His Shot
While his defense is already well-regarded, Dunn's offensive game is a work in progress. His shooting during preseason turned heads, with a notable performance of hitting six of eleven three-point attempts. Despite this, his regular-season average currently sits at a modest 31.6% from beyond the arc.
After a standout game in which he made a game-deciding three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks, the message from Phil Beckner was clear: Dunn was evolving. "He started making every shot. His movements were precise. His movements were confident," Beckner observed. "This guy! It has clicked."
Continued Growth
Dunn himself acknowledges the process: "I got 'em up. It's progress. A lot of those shots felt good coming out of my hand." With encouragement spurred by Suns veterans, he's seizing his opportunities, "When you have someone like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker telling you to shoot the ball every time, you're going to get it up," Dunn remarked.
Los Angeles Lakers' head coach, JJ Redick, openly admitted the oversight in assessing Dunn's potential, "Had I known that Ryan Dunn was a 45% shooter, I think our draft board would've looked a little bit different."
A Personal Mission
For Dunn, the journey is deeply personal. "It's not how you start. Everyone has their own race, and everyone has their own journey," he reflected. As he continues to make his mark in the league, his message is clear: "I want people to know who I am."
As Dunn continues to hone his game, blending his natural defensive instincts with an evolving offensive arsenal, the NBA keeps a watchful eye. His career trajectory might not have followed the usual path, but his determination to succeed ensures that his story is both unique and compelling. Ryan Dunn, for many, represents the exciting unpredictability of sports careers and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to be defined by their beginnings.