PHOENIX – The truth about the Phoenix Suns’ plans for the two-day event in June has now been revealed by the franchise.
The Suns’ official X/Twitter account posted a nearly 5-minute “War Room” that chronicles the collaborative effort between the coach, management and owners to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
2024 NBA Draft: In the War Room
🎥 Go behind the scenes of the Suns draft pic.twitter.com/Hihgu1CXbB
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 26, 2024
Trade talks appeared to have been going on for some time and included more than one potential suitor — before general manager James Jones decided to accept the Denver Nuggets’ offer of the 28th pick and three second-round picks.
Support for Dunn’s selection was virtually unanimous and it was made very clear that Dunn would have been the selection had they stayed at 22nd as well.
The franchise then moved on to Day 2, where Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro became the player of interest — even ahead of college teammate Tyler Kolek.
The Suns exhausted all options to move up because they expected Ighodaro to leave well before pick 56 — and they ultimately succeeded by moving up 16 picks and once again getting the one they originally wanted.
There are two important takeaways from this “War Room” video: the decision-making process is much more collaborative than some would argue over the past year, and the franchise continues to maneuver what should be immobilizing restrictions so easily.
James Jones, Josh Bartelstein, Mike Budenholzer and Mat Ishbia all seem to be on the same page. It seems like everyone really has a say. The most important thing is that Budenholzer now has two players he’s optimistic about as official members of the roster – and they can become much more important in the coming years.
Dunn and Ighodaro could make their official debuts with the Suns on Oct. 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason.
