PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are just a month away from opening training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season opener, and the roster is largely complete — barring a future trade or free-agent acquisition.
Perhaps the most interesting outcome of this offseason is the question of what the bench rotation will look like as a whole.
This also applies to the center position. Mason Plumlee is expected to be Jusuf Nurkic’s replacement, but don’t underestimate Oso Ighodaro just yet.
“Phoenix management thinks highly of rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro and these releases open up new opportunities for both to contribute next season — as well as the potential for roster moves in the future. Little will now enter free agency,” NBA insider Shams Charania wrote after the releases of Nassir Little and EJ Liddell were announced.
Phoenix management thinks highly of rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and those new signings open up new opportunities for both players to contribute next season, as well as potential roster moves in the future. Few of them will hit free agency now. https://t.co/QFOspRvFf1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2024
Ighodaro has been rumored to be a G League target for the Valley Suns this season, but his college background — particularly as a junior — could make him ready to contribute almost immediately.
His viability as a spacer is rightly questioned, but his six 20-point performances last season at Marquette are nothing short of brilliant scoring performances. His high-end athleticism was on display with 13 games featuring multiple blocks last season. His ability as a quality passer within an offense has been well-documented.
Ighodaro brings many things to the field that Plumlee does, but he unquestionably has a higher ceiling and is simply a sharper athlete at this point.
That’s not to say Ighodaro should be the full-time replacement, but he deserves a chance to prove his worth in the early stages of this season.
