At 30 years old, Royce O’Neale joined a Suns’ team last week that already featured four players 30 and older, and plenty of others that have a decent amount of NBA experience.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That didn’t stop O’Neale from trying to make his voice known in his first game in Phoenix, a 113-112 loss to the Golden State Warriors Saturday.
“In the Golden State game, he (already) challenged us to communicate a little bit better than what we were, so that’s just a testament to him being around,” Bradley Beal said at practice yesterday.
Bradley Beal talked extensively about new #Suns teammate Royce O’Neale today
“In the Golden State game, he (already) challenged us to communicate a little bit better than what we were, so that's just a testament to him being around.” pic.twitter.com/dCw4gb1hQj
— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) February 13, 2024
O’Neale was thrown into the fire Saturday in his first game, registering 11 minutes in the loss in a high-intensity atmosphere. He post three points, four rebounds, an assist, a block, a steal and was a team-high +4 when he was on the court. His play already has some Suns’ fans saying he is one of the best defenders on the team.
“That’s just me being me,” O’Neale said of challenging his new teammates. “I feel like (when) this team communicates more, it helps each other out, be more alert. That way we all want to be on a string and working together.”
Coach Frank Vogel complimented O’Neale for his early communication.
“He’s a true pro,” Vogel said of O’Neale. “He’s a respected vet. He understands having played for a few different teams. He’s been wonderful in terms of just coming in. I thought he’s really communicative throughout the game the other night, which our team needs. We get a tendency to be too quiet as a basketball team overall. I liked how he led with this first game with our group. That was a positive thing. He continues to have a high IQ and understanding of figuring things out.
“He’s an intangibles guy. All those things matter. It’s not just about making shots or great defense. It’s: ‘How can you help the group move forward and help the game?’ He does all that.”
The Suns also reportedly added Thaddeus Young to their roster today, and are reportedly eyeing Danilo Gallinari. Both of these players are 35 years old, so the Suns could have even more veteran help coming their way. Coming into the season, the Suns ranked No. 4 in average age in the NBA at 27.75. If Young and Gallinari are added, the average age of Suns’ 15 players on standard contracts will be at 29.13.
O’Neale spoke to the veteran-heavy aspect of the Suns.
“It means a lot (having) guys that know the game, been around, been to the playoffs and further,” O’Neale said. “Being able to learn from each other day by day, seeing how each other motivate each other and being able to hoop (is beneficial).”
The Suns (31-22) host the Sacramento Kings (30-22) at 8 p.m. MST tonight, their second-to-last game before the All-Star break.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
