Suns rookie Ryan Dunn embraces what it means to suit up for a playoff push with Phoenix.
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As the Phoenix Suns gear up to face the Golden State Warriors one last time this regular season (10 ET, TNT), rookie Ryan Dunn is embracing the moment.
The Suns rookie spoke with NBA.com about what he’s learned in his first season, what it means to suit up for a playoff push and some quick rapid-fire Qs:
The following conversation has been condensed and edited.
NBA.com: You’re one of the league’s most exciting rooks this year. What are the 3 ways you feel like you’ve grown or changed since the night you got drafted?
Ryan Dunn: One, learning how to adapt to things that are being thrown at you at all times, especially when it comes to travel and trying to figure out finding myself in the league
Two, learning how to say level-headed and not getting too high or too low in certain situations. Whether it’s a good game or bad game, just being able to stay the course
Three, having a consistent routine throughout the season
In your first playoff push, what’s one piece of advice from your basketball career that keeps coming to mind?
Ryan Dunn: Play 100% every day and be grateful to play. Don’t give up and be who you are.
How does the mentality and preparation differ between college basketball and an NBA playoff push?
Ryan Dunn: I guess it’s kind of the same, but the college season was more of trying to figure out what I can do to help the team and more whether that’s rebounding, defending, scoring, facilitating, like what can I do to make myself and the team better.
Obviously, we are trying to clinch the Play-In spot, but just trying to figure out what I can do to help this team the most.
What’s been your favorite off-court moment this year?
Ryan Dunn: I would say the first time I walked into the arena to warm up and seeing people in my jersey. That’s probably the coolest moment. Also, All-Star Weekend. That whole experience was a cool moment for me.
What’s the game you remember most this year and why?
Ryan Dunn: Milwaukee at home because I dunked on Giannis.
When did you really know you were in the league? Your ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment?
Ryan Dunn: First game of the pre-season and I had to guard LeBron James. He was one of my idols growing up so that was probably a moment I knew I was growing up.
What’s one thing you’re happy you learned a long time ago?
Ryan Dunn: You can impact the game in multiple ways, not just one part.
Your best friends in the league?
Ryan Dunn: Oso Ighodaro, Kyle Filipowski, Tyus Jones, Collin Gillespie, Kevin Durant, basically all the guys on the Suns.
What’s a question you wish people asked you more?
Ryan Dunn: How I got into photography!
