Suns Select Virginia’s Ryan Dunn in NBA Draft

The Suns did a bit of wheeling and dealing in the first round of Wednesday night’s NBA Draft. Phoenix held the No. 22 overall pick and traded back with the Denver Nuggets. Denver selected Arizona native DaRon Holmes II with that pick, and Phoenix reportedly added the No. 28, No. 56 picks this year and two future second round picks.

They slid down a few picks and selected Virginia wing Ryan Dunn with pick No. 28. Dunn is considered by many to be the best defensive player in this year’s field. 

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor calls the pick of Dunn “perfect” for the Suns. 

Ryan Dunn to the Suns is perfect.

Potentially an all-world defender. On offense he can screen, catch lobs, cut. This works surrounded by all Phoenix’s shooters. He’s going to be good, and if the shot develops he has major upside. pic.twitter.com/Hn9l49RAkL

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2024

Dunn averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocked shots and 1.3 steals per game in 34 starts at Virginia this year. He’ll look to provide the defensive intensity and complement the playmaking of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the upcoming season. 

The Suns also hold the No. 56 overall pick in this year’s draft after the trade with Denver.