Ryan Dunn's journey to the NBA is a story of determination, resilience, and transformation. Standing tall at 6-foot-8 with a wingspan just over 7-foot-1½ inches, Dunn's physical attributes have always been a significant asset. However, his path to playing for the Phoenix Suns was anything but conventional. Originally a baseball player, Dunn transitioned to basketball following an elbow injury, a switch that has paid dividends in the form of an NBA career he might not have foreseen a decade ago. Reflecting on his journey, Dunn humorously remarked, "If you would have told me this 10 years ago, I would've thought you were smoking crack, or crazy."
College Days and Defensive Prowess
From his college days at Virginia, Dunn was marked by coaches as a player of notable defensive acumen. With a block rate of 10.6%, he caught the attention of many scouts and analysts. Tony Bennett, his coach at Virginia, noted Dunn's ability to "disrupt offenses," citing his athleticism and reach. This sentiment was echoed by Virginia assistant coach Orlando Vandross, who spoke highly of Dunn's defensive capabilities: "He covers a lot of ground. He can switch. He can rebound. He'll block a shot." These comments underscore the impact he had during his college career, setting the stage for his professional pursuits.
Impactful Moments in the NBA
Now showcasing his skills in the NBA, Dunn continues to turn heads with performances that highlight his versatile play. One moment that bannered his defensive grit was when he blocked LeBron James at the rim. Such feats are testaments to his unwavering commitment to impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Yet, his shooting has also risen to accommodate the demands of the league. In a preseason game, Dunn made six out of 11 shots from beyond the arc, an indicator of his growing confidence and capability as a legitimate perimeter threat.
Nevertheless, his regular-season shooting average from three-point range stands at 31.6%, which implies room for growth in consistency. Even so, his pivotal contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dunn rose to the occasion against the Dallas Mavericks, delivering a game-deciding three-pointer that further cemented his status as a clutch performer.
The Words of Encouragement
On the sidelines, Ryan Dunn has benefitted from the encouragement and guidance from some of the league's best. "When you have someone like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker telling you to shoot the ball every time, you're going to get it up," Dunn shared, acknowledging the influence his teammates have on his confidence. However, his free-wheeling style on the court was something even seasoned coaches took note. JJ Redick, now head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, commented candidly: "Had I known that Ryan Dunn was a 45% shooter, I think our draft board would've looked a little bit different."
Finding His Footing
Dunn's journey and on-court improvement can also be attributed to the belief instilled in him by trainers like Phil Beckner, who noted, "He started making every shot. His movements were precise. His movements were confident." Beckner's description paints a picture of Dunn's metamorphosis as a player who now knows when everything "clicks." For Dunn, it’s not just about how he gets there. "It's not how you start. Everyone has their own race, and everyone has their own journey," he expressed, a testimony to his acknowledgment of the path he's taken to reach this level.
As he continues to carve out his identity in the NBA, Ryan Dunn is adamant in his desire for broader recognition, stating, "I want people to know who I am." His journey from an elbow injury and a change in sports to a decisive presence on an NBA court highlights not just a promising career, but a story worth following. Dunn's willingness to embrace whatever role befalls him—be it defensive stalwart or offensive spark—demonstrates his commitment to success and his team's endeavor to win, as he articulates, "Whatever my role is to help the team, I want to do that to win."