The recent omission of Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn from ESPN’s Jeremy Woo’s list of top second-year players has sparked considerable debate, especially given his anticipated expanded role and promising trajectory. Despite turning heads in his rookie campaign, particularly with a vastly improved 3-point shot complementing his already elite defense, Dunn’s absence from such a prestigious list raises questions about how player potential is assessed.

Dunn’s rookie season showcased significant growth, highlighted by flashes of brilliance and solid defensive performances that often went overlooked amidst the team’s inconsistent play. His ability to adapt and refine his offensive game, particularly from beyond the arc, indicated a player committed to developing a well-rounded skill set necessary for NBA success.

This offseason brought significant changes to the Phoenix Suns roster, including the trade of Kevin Durant and the buyout of Bradley Beal. These moves have effectively cleared the path for players like Ryan Dunn to step into much larger roles, making his second season pivotal for both his career and the team’s strategic direction.

Under former coach Mike Budenholzer last season, Dunn experienced inconsistent playing time, which often hampered his ability to establish a consistent rhythm. However, with a new coaching staff and a clearer pathway to minutes, expectations are high for Dunn to demonstrate his full capabilities as a consistent contributor.

While the players included on Woo’s list were predominantly lottery picks or those who immediately proved to be starting-caliber, such as Ware, Wells, and McCain, Dunn’s situation presents a unique narrative. As the 28th pick in last year’s draft, his potential to be just as impactful, if not more interesting to watch, in an expanded role on a Suns team with tempered expectations, makes his snub even more puzzling.

Indeed, Ryan Dunn’s development will be a critical factor in how well the Phoenix Suns fare next season, perhaps even more so than the progression of many players who made ESPN’s list. His growth trajectory is directly tied to the team’s strategic shift towards a more defensively oriented identity.

His impressive showing at the NBA Summer League last month further underscored his readiness and potential. Dunn demonstrated a level of play that put him a step ahead of many young players, indicating a substantial capacity for growth across his all-around game, making him a prime candidate for a sophomore surge.

The Suns’ deliberate effort to build a new identity around defense this offseason perfectly aligns with Dunn’s core strengths. His seamless fit within this defensive framework, coupled with the opportunity to learn from an established defensive presence like Dillon Brooks—who is expected to join Dunn as a starting forward—positions him for significant impact.

Ultimately, Ryan Dunn figures to be an integral piece for the Phoenix Suns moving forward. His sophomore season is poised to be a make-or-break period, defining just how valuable he will become for the franchise’s future and potentially solidifying his status as one of the league’s most promising young talents, despite any oversight from top lists.