PHOENIX — One sign that the NBA season is upon us (other than the release of the full 2024-25 schedule) is the gradual rollout of the annual NBA 2K video game — and the Phoenix Suns were well represented in the recent reveal of incoming rookie ratings.
Ryan Dunn, the 28th overall pick in the draft, was included in the fifth rookie tier with an initial grade of 70, while Oso Ighodaro arrived in the seventh tier with an overall grade of 68.
New recruits, new grades.
Meet the new NBA rookie class in NBA 2K25 📈 @NBA2K pic.twitter.com/IpENJ69Xoe— Ronnie 2K 2K25 (@Ronnie2K) August 16, 2024
Dunn is almost universally acclaimed for his defensive prowess, even being called by some the best defender in the draft – but his offensive limitations led to his slipping to the end of the first round in June.
Ighodaro was considered one of the biggest surprises in the draft: His passing ability, athleticism and ability to change his shots around the rim make him a clear successor at center if things go as planned.
Jalen Bridges failed to appear at the reveal — but his ability to knock down three-pointers and defend the perimeter raised eyebrows during Summer League play in Las Vegas — he could figure into future plans as well.
Neither rookie is expected to be a full-time rotation starter this coming season, but it’s also the first time in several years that Phoenix has a clearly malleable talent for the future.
That remains to be seen, but the pair of rookies could also spend significant time with the Suns’ G-League affiliate, the Valley Suns.
