Why Ryan Dunn’s late-season breakout still wasn’t enough for All-Rookie honors

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX – Despite a steady rise and late-season surge, Phoenix Suns rookie forward Ryan Dunn was left off both the NBA All-Rookie First and Second Teams, as announced by ESPN’s Shams Charania this week.

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Dunn, 22, wrapped up his debut season averaging 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and earning widespread respect for his perimeter defense. While his numbers didn’t leap off the page, his impact went far beyond the box score, especially in a Suns season that lacked consistency.

Suns Dunn not on 1st or 2nd team:

Dunn was a replacement player for the rookie team during All-Star weekend. His team went on to win the Rising Stars showcase, beating two other rookie and sophomore teas to go onto NBA All-Star Sunday. The Suns’ forward team would lose in the first round but had an impressive showing against some of the league’s best.

Towards the end of last year, Dunn became a much more focus part of the Suns rotation. Head coach Mike Budenholzer started Dunn in the team’s final 16 games, where he averaged 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds during that stretch. Phoenix started 5-1 when Dunn was first inserted into the starting lineup, but proceeded to go on a eight-game losing streak to end the year.

The 2024 NBA rookie class was full of talented rookies all fighting for just 10 spots on the Rookie teams. Despite his counting stats not on pair with his fellow rookies, Dunn showcased during his debut season that he’ll be in the NBA for years to come.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports